Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s Quest for Security Guarantees
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed his desire for a lasting peace in the country, stating that it is "entirely achievable" with the support of the United States. In a social media post, Zelensky wrote, "We all want a safe future for our people. Not a temporary ceasefire, but an end to the war once and for all. With our coordinated efforts and US leadership, this is entirely achievable."
Background
The statement comes as the Ukrainian leader is trying to contain the fallout from a recent meeting with US President Donald Trump, which ended with Zelensky being scolded by Trump and his vice-president in front of news cameras. The US has also "paused" intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a blow to Kyiv’s military capacity, and suspended military aid to the country.
Kremlin’s Response
The Kremlin has welcomed Zelensky’s call for talks, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov describing it as "generally positive". However, the Kremlin has repeatedly thrown doubt on whether it would hold talks with Zelensky, citing a decree passed by the Ukrainian leader that rules out direct negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
What’s at Stake
Zelensky’s desire for security guarantees from the US is crucial to deter Russia from invading again. Moscow has refused to rule out giving up any of the land it has captured in its three-year military campaign, and has been buoyed by the suspension of military aid. If Ukraine is forced to accept a settlement on terms favourable to Moscow, it could put the country at risk of losing US support entirely.
International Reactions
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has given his backing to Zelensky’s calls for a truce in the sky and at sea as a first step towards ending the fighting. French President Emmanuel Macron is mulling a joint visit to Washington alongside Zelensky and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer to present a united European front to Trump. CIA director John Ratcliffe has announced that the US has "paused" intelligence sharing with Ukraine, while the Ukrainian presidency has declined to comment.
Conclusion
The situation in Ukraine remains precarious, with the country facing the threat of Russian invasion and the possibility of losing US support. Zelensky’s call for security guarantees from the US is crucial to ensuring a lasting peace in the region. The international community must come together to support Ukraine and prevent further conflict.
FAQs
- What is Zelensky’s goal?
- Zelensky wants a lasting peace in Ukraine and is seeking security guarantees from the US to deter Russia from invading again.
- What is the current state of relations between the US and Ukraine?
- The US has "paused" intelligence sharing with Ukraine and suspended military aid, while Zelensky has been trying to contain the fallout from a recent meeting with Trump.
- What is the Kremlin’s stance on talks with Zelensky?
- The Kremlin has welcomed Zelensky’s call for talks, but has repeatedly thrown doubt on whether it would hold talks with him, citing a decree that rules out direct negotiations with Putin.
- What is the current situation on the battlefield?
- Russia’s forces have captured another small village in Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, while the advance has slowed in February after a series of accelerating territorial gains throughout the winter.