Zelenskyy outlines key steps for Ukraine's strong negotiation position with Russia
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
For Ukraine to secure a strong position during negotiations with Russia, it needs to be reinforced on the battlefield with weapons and security guarantees, including invitations to the EU and NATO. It also needs quick decisions on Russian assets, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a briefing with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
According to him, everything was described in detail in Ukraine's victory plan. It describes a strong Ukraine that can defend its independence.
"If you want specifics, the plan includes weapons packages and strengthening our battlefield capabilities, taking into account our army, not its reduction, as the enemy wants. Regarding the battlefield, it’s about not giving the initiative to the Russians, who, unfortunately, hold it in the east due to delays in supply and the equipping of our brigades. However, they have clearly lost the initiative in the north and in the Kharkiv region," Zelenskyy said.
He added that a similar shift must be achieved in the Donetsk direction, which is only a matter of time.
"Next, I don't want to talk about security guarantees again, but for us, this means EU and NATO membership. If not today, then we want to know when. And whether it will happen. These are concrete things. Even when you know that you have an invitation, or when you know specific dates, this is a strong position in negotiations with Russia," the President emphasized.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the need for faster and more urgent decisions on Russian assets.
"The $50 billion decision is made, and it will come, but again, it’s about the word 'will.' It hasn't come yet. What about the other $250 billion that could help us now? Russia brought the war, which morally entitles us to use these resources to strengthen Ukraine. The package of long-range weapons was outlined in the victory plan as well as the package of deterring Russia. It is also what we need for a strong position," Zelenskyy concluded.
Negotiations between Ukraine and Russia
Ukraine and Russia are not currently engaged in peace talks to end the war. Ukraine emphasizes that while it does not reject diplomacy, it seeks negotiations under favorable conditions.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine needs to receive security guarantees to return to the negotiating table with Russia. These guarantees are essential to prevent future aggression from Moscow.
