Ukraine: Zelensky calls for diplomatic resolution to Russia’s war, proposes foreign troops presence
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated on Monday his commitment to a diplomatic settlement of Russia’s war in Ukraine and suggested the potential deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine until it can officially join NATO. His remarks, made during a joint press conference with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, reflect Kyiv’s growing openness to negotiating an […]
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated on Monday his commitment to a diplomatic settlement of Russia’s war in Ukraine and suggested the potential deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine until it can officially join NATO.
His remarks, made during a joint press conference with German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, reflect Kyiv’s growing openness to negotiating an end to the conflict, especially as U.S. President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office in January.
Trump, who has expressed a desire to end the war quickly, called on Sunday for an immediate ceasefire and negotiations, following talks with Zelensky and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
“Ukraine wants this war to end more than anyone else. No doubt, a diplomatic resolution would save more lives. We do seek it,” Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv on Monday.
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He also revealed he had discussed the possibility of “freezing” the front lines with Macron and Trump, noting that Russia currently controls nearly a fifth of Ukrainian territory after its 2022 invasion, which has led to the largest conflict in Europe since World War II.
Zelensky expressed doubt that Russian President Vladimir Putin genuinely wanted to end the war, suggesting that Putin could only be pressured to negotiate through force. “You can only exert force if Ukraine is strong. A strong Ukraine before any diplomacy means a strong Ukraine on the battlefield,” he said, signaling that Kyiv would need external support to bolster its strength.