Zelenskyy’s statements on ending war grow increasingly somber: NYT explains why
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
The tone of statements by Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has shifted from optimistic to cautious and warning, due to Russia’s low readiness to end the war, according to The New York Times.
The outlet recalls that negotiations on achieving peace in Ukraine have progressed through dozens of stages, and Zelenskyy recently stated that a peace agreement is 90% complete.
However, Russia’s readiness to conclude such a deal remains uncertain. As a result, the Ukrainian president made one of his most skeptical statements in a long time.
"I do not want and will not wait another six months hoping that maybe it will work. There are two paths: The first priority is ending the war, the second is being prepared for negative steps by Russia — for its unwillingness to end the war," he said.
Many issues remain unresolved
The NYT notes that key questions regarding territories and control over the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant remain unresolved. Additionally, Russia has rejected several Ukrainian initiatives.
"I understand that we are very close to results, but at some point, Russia may block everything," the Ukrainian leader stressed.
The outlet also writes that there is no alternative to negotiations led by the United States. The article says that attempts by the EU to take on a mediating role would not speed up the process.
"A lot has already been developed, and we must respect the work of people and respect time, because every minute, people in Ukraine suffer. That is why I believe there is no alternative," Zelenskyy said.
Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris
On January 6, Ukraine’s allies will gather in Paris to coordinate their contributions to future security guarantees for Kyiv in the event of a ceasefire with Russia.
One of the key topics of the talks will be the possible deployment of a foreign military contingent in Ukraine after a truce is established.
At a later stage, security documents are expected to be finalized at the leaders’ level, with a focus on security guarantees and Ukraine’s recovery, followed by consultations in the United States involving a broader group of countries.
It was also reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will take part in the Coalition of the Willing meeting and hold talks with French President Emmanuel Macron.
