Ukraine, US agree on key ideas to end the war, Zelenskyy says
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine and its international partners have developed three key proposals for ending Russia's war, which have already been agreed upon with the US and European sides, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said during a meeting with journalists.
Three ideas for ending the war
According to the Ukrainian leader, during talks with US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, they agreed to consolidate discussions on a single page outlining realistic scenarios for ending the hostilities.
The Americans plan to discuss the document with both Ukraine and Russia.
Three key points are currently on the agenda:
- Ceasefire: The main and top-priority idea in the document that has been developed
- Creation of a free economic zone: A US initiative that envisions a reciprocal withdrawal of forces. Ukraine and Russia would take equal steps back, creating a buffer zone under the control of a third party.
- Security guarantees from the EU and NATO: A clear definition of actions by the European Union and the Alliance, and the steps Ukraine is prepared to take in return.
"Everyone is reacting positively to what has been proposed; no one has any objections. This is what is on the table today," Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized.
Waiting for new proposals
The president added that the ideas presented are not exclusively Ukrainian. They are a joint plan developed with US and European partners and finalized following contacts between the US side and Kyiv and Moscow.
In addition, Zelenskyy said the United States has several more ideas that it plans to share in the near future.
Key challenges, Ukraine's expectations
As reported, while working to resolve funding issues for Ukraine's defense, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy outlined two major challenges the country faces: ballistic weapons and a lack of funding.
In particular, Ukraine expects its partners to provide 30 billion euros to cover its defense needs.
At the same time, the Defense Forces continue to hold back Russian forces and plan to regain control of territory.
Also, Ukraine expects to even the score with Russia in terms of territory by the end of 2026, bringing the ratio of land occupied and liberated since the beginning of the year back into balance.
