Zelenskyy and European leaders: Current line of contact with Russia should be starting point of negotiations
Photo: Zelenskyy and European leaders (Getty Images)
The current line of contact with the Russian Federation should be the starting point for negotiations. At the same time, Ukraine must be in the strongest possible negotiating position — before, during, and after any ceasefire, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and European leaders.
"We strongly support President Trump’s position that the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force," the statement reads.
It is reported that Russia’s delaying tactics have repeatedly shown that Ukraine is the only party truly serious about peace. Everyone can see that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin continues to choose violence and destruction.
"Therefore, we are clear that Ukraine must be in the strongest possible position - before, during, and after any ceasefire. We must ramp up the pressure on Russia’s economy and its defense industry until Putin is ready to make peace," the European leaders added.
The statement also notes that Ukraine’s allies are developing measures to utilize the full value of Russia’s frozen assets.
The leaders are expected to meet this week at the European Council and within the ‘Coalition of the Resolute’ format to discuss how to continue this work and further support Ukraine.
Background
The President of Ukraine met with US President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, October 17.
After the meeting, Trump called for both sides to stop where they currently are — meaning along the frontline. In an interview with Fox News, the US leader said he was confident the war would be stopped, adding that Putin will "get something," since he has captured certain territories.
Meanwhile, media reports indicated that on October 16, Putin made Trump a new proposal, under which Ukraine would give up parts of Donbas under its control in exchange for the withdrawal of Russian troops from Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions.
