By Ali Elias
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western leaders to use “all means” necessary to coerce Russia into peace, citing Moscow’s aim to “destroy Ukraine and move on”. He refuses to negotiate until Russia leaves all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. This comes as Russia makes gains against Ukraine, with Kyiv facing a shortage of Western-supplied weapons and Russia dropping 3,200 guided aerial bombs monthly.
“How do you fight that?” he asked reporters in Madrid where he met Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez
The Ukrainian leader rejected the idea of inviting Russia to a planned peace summit in Switzerland next month. The summit is expected to include representatives of more than 90 countries.
Delegates will try to chart a course for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on 10 demands set forth by Kyiv calling for the return of all invaded territory, reparation payments for war-related damages and the creation of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes, a plan that Moscow has flatly rejected, reports BBC
Russia is open to a Peace summit, according to Kremlin Spokesman. Dmitry Peskov says as long as it is “to achieve the objectives now being achieved via the special military operation”.
Zelensky Calls for Unity among Allies and Pressure on Russia
Ukrainian President Zelensky urged collective action, saying, “We must work together and pressure not only Russia, but also our partners to enable us to defend ourselves.”
However, to continue to receive Western aid, Ukraine has been given a condition that it must outline its vision for ending the war. To this end, Zelensky previously presented a 10-point peace plan, demanding Russia’s full withdrawal and guarantees against future aggression.
According to BBC, the summit in Switzerland is generating urgency for President Zelensky. He wants to galvanise international momentum behind his terms. Until now it has mostly been Ukraine calling for a complete Russian retreat, and the West has tried to support it in that endeavour. The summit could be his only chance to make it a non-negotiable for his allies, too, and keep the negotiating table at bay. The more nations turn up, the more political pressure could be felt by the Kremlin, the report says
Putin says Peace Deal Must Reflect Russia’s Battlefield Gains
Russian President Vladimir Putin insists any peace deal must acknowledge Russia’s military advances, as his troops continue to capture villages in Ukraine’s Kharkiv region. Russia has maintained control over seized territory for 18 months, with no compromises, since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
However, Kyiv argues that any concessions would only embolden Moscow, citing past failed ceasefires and Putin’s alleged long-term goal of conquering all of Ukraine.
Following Zelensky’s visit, Spain had announced a package of $1bn (£783m).
Source: BBC