Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that he would finalize an “action plan for peace” by the end of November, adding that a ceasefire could not be discussed while Russian forces were occupying Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky announced the “Action Plan for Peace” in June.World Peace SummitThe International Conference on the Situation in Ukraine in Switzerland issued a statement calling for the restoration of Ukraine’s “territorial integrity.”
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Representatives of 91 countries signed the statement, but Russia was not among them. Russian President Vladimir Putin instead called on Ukraine to hand over its occupied eastern provinces to Russian control and abandon plans to join NATO. Putin also demanded the withdrawal of all foreign troops from what he considers Russia’s sphere of influence in Eastern Europe.
Zelensky Said Putin said in an interview with NHK News on Saturday that he still believes the international community can pressure him to abandon his demands and enter into peace talks.
“Patience, support and diplomatic pressure are the three ingredients for a just end to the war. If the United States and European countries remain united, the pressure will increase and show Moscow that it cannot win,” he said.
Zelensky appears to have timed the release of his “Action Plan for Peace” with the November US presidential elections in mind, as Ukraine hopes to hold another World Peace Summit before the elections and issue a second statement that Zelensky believes will “signal the end of the war.”
Zelensky said in an interview with NHK. Said He invited Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump to visit Ukraine. Criticized He criticized NATO for pouring billions of dollars into Ukraine’s defense and expressed skepticism that Ukraine could win a long, attritional war with Russia, but praised President Zelenskiy and said he had a good relationship with him.
Soldiers from Ukraine’s Azov Battalion fire flares during a rally calling for the release of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia, on Independence Square in Kyiv, Ukraine, Sunday, July 28, 2024. Thousands of citizens and soldiers gathered to mark the second anniversary of a Russian-led explosion that killed more than 50 Ukrainian prisoners at the Russian-controlled Olenivka prison barracks. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky)
“If Mr. Trump wants to know anything about Ukraine he can come and see or ask me. We are in contact with his team. Mr. Trump told me he is ready to answer any questions and I have his phone number,” Zelensky said on Saturday.
The Ukrainian president’s optimism contrasts with Russia’s dismissive response to the World Peace Summit. tEnpoint Peace Plan Putin has said he has no intention of taking part in a second summit with Russia, calling it an unrealistic “ultimatum.” He has not yet made any concessions on the demands he put forward in June as prerequisites for a ceasefire.
Zelensky appeared miffed on Sunday as he congratulated Ukrainian forces for holding off Russian troops in fierce fighting along the border with Donetsk Oblast, one of the areas where Putin is demanding Ukraine surrender.
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“Today in Ukraine we remember our people killed by Russian brutalists in Olenivka. This is one of Russia’s most horrific crimes in this war. Russia must be held accountable for this. And it will be. There is no scenario in which the killers will remain unpunished,” he said. Bloody Russian attack In prison two years ago.
“Eternal memory to all our people killed by the occupying forces. Glory to all those who fought and worked for the country. We will definitely defend Ukraine,” he said.
Zelenskyy insisted on Sunday that Ukraine “has the strength to achieve its goals” in the war.
Zelensky visited Ukrainian Special Operations Forces (SOF) mobilized on the front line in the Kharkiv region on Monday, a national holiday in Ukraine dedicated to the special forces.
“The most tense places on the front line. The most important combat operations. The most responsible tasks. I can’t say much now about the activities of the special operations forces, but they will always result in strengthening Ukraine and weakening Russian occupation forces,” he said.
