Zelenskyy outlines Ukraine's red lines ahead of US talks
Photo: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined clear “red lines” for Ukraine in peace negotiations ahead of the presidents’ meeting in the United States. According to him, these include territorial issues, the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, and security guarantees.
Zelenskyy made the statement while answering questions from journalists.
Zelenskyy said work is underway to minimize the number of unresolved issues.
“Of course, Ukraine has ‘red lines,’ and I am sure the Americans have compromise proposals — we know them — and our enemy likely has its own goals as well. All these issues are extremely sensitive. This includes territories and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. You know my position — legally, we will not recognize anything under any circumstances. If there are updated approaches, we will certainly communicate with the people before making any decision,” he said.
According to him, public discussion could take the form of a referendum or certain legislative changes.
“But the most important thing is security guarantees. In addition to territorial issues and the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, security guarantees are extremely important for us,” he clarified.
Has Ukraine moved closer to a ceasefire and the end of the war?
While speaking with journalists, the president reminded them that Ukraine did not start this war — Russia did.
“Second, Ukraine supported President Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire. Third, Ukraine has made many compromises, and this is reflected in our agreements, working arrangements, and our 20-point plan. Ukraine is doing everything possible to stop this war. This shows that our number one priority — or our only priority — is ending the war,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader called peace Ukraine’s top priority and stressed that “we must be strong at the negotiating table. And to be strong, we need the support of the world, Europe, and the United States.”
“In this war — Russia’s war against Ukraine — we want peace, while Russia demonstrates its desire to continue the war. And if the entire world, Europe, and America are on our side, we will stop Putin together. Because we will all want the same thing — an end to the war, a normal peace, a sustainable peace, safe for the whole world,” he added.
According to Zelenskyy, if the US or Europe sides with Russia, it would mean the war would continue.
“There are no other options. Option A is ending the war as soon as possible and stopping Russia, or continuing the war. And that is a risk for all countries of the world, because Russia will not stop, regardless of any agreements or eloquent statements. They will not stop at Ukraine,” he said.
Peace plan
The Ukrainian side has presented an updated version of a peace plan consisting of 20 points. The document is based on an earlier 28-point proposal prepared by Donald Trump’s team. Among the key elements of the plan is the idea of creating a demilitarized “free economic zone.”
Russia’s reaction remains restrained for now. At the same time, according to available information, Moscow’s main demand is that Ukraine give up part of the Donetsk region.
US President Donald Trump commented on the upcoming visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with a peace proposal, stressing that the Ukrainian leader will not be able to advance his initiatives unless they receive approval from the American side.
It should also be noted that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready to hold a referendum on the US-proposed peace plan, but only if Russia agrees to a 60-day ceasefire.
