If not only Ukraine but also the aggressor wants it, fighting could end by summer – Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy neither confirmed nor ruled out his participation in the Munich Security Conference (MSC), which will be held this year from February 13 to February 15. His participation was announced, emphasizing that the main subject of the event will be security, and that only increased pressure on Russia can lead to an end to the war in Ukraine.
"If it works out, I'll be at the Munich Security Conference. My partners there always take this very seriously... Not only should there be meetings—several formats are important—but they respect the situation Ukraine and, consequently, the Ukrainian president are in. So, I might attend the Munich Conference, or I might not. It depends. The main issue there is, frankly, security. Therefore, the situation in Ukraine is currently greatly impacting security in Europe. And Europe's future security depends greatly on Ukraine's security," Zelenskyy told reporters on Wednesday.
Regarding the end of the war, he emphasized that it “depends not only on Ukraine, but on America, which must apply pressure.”
"Sorry for saying 'must,' but there's no other way. Pressure must be put on Russia. If there's willingness not only from the Ukrainian side but also from the aggressor, we can end the fighting by summer. Why? Because the gradual nature of this process depends, first and foremost, on security guarantees for Ukrainians, on knowing that Russian aggression is impossible in the future, or that if it does, we won't be alone and will have strong defense. This security guarantee comes primarily from the United States, from strong military packages, so the signing of this agreement currently depends solely on the United States of America," the president said.
Zelenskyy also mentioned the signing of a 20-point plan to end the war, where, according to him, "we need both the Americans and Europe's readiness to join these processes."
"On the issue of the east of our country, part of our east, part of Donetsk region—we currently have different views on territorial matters... If we find the opportunity, we will come up with a 20-point plan that must, first and foremost, respect Ukrainians. We will hold a referendum. You're asking about such a timeframe—all of this can be accomplished by summer," the head of state emphasized.
Regarding the possibility of the USA withdrawing from the negotiation process if a peace agreement cannot be reached within a certain period of time, he expressed his belief that this is not in their interests.
"Why should we discuss the situation without the Americans? We're not the aggressor – Russia is. We're not the one continuing the war – Russia is. We're not the one who doesn't want to stop – Russia isn't the one who doesn't want to stop yet. So why should the Americans withdraw from the process because of us? In my opinion, that's unfair. And I believe Trump will be able to force Putin to make some kind of compromise. And, frankly, I don't think withdrawing from this process is in our interests, or the Americans', or the Russians', interests," Zelenskyy said.
