Media: Ukraine open to ceasefire without new border recognition

The article from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera discusses Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's second visit to Italy in a month, where he will meet Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

This visit coincides with the cancellation of a NATO summit in Ramstein, which was initially planned due to Hurricane Milton preventing U.S. President Joe Biden from attending.

Zelenskyy is using his European trip to engage with various leaders, including planned meetings in Paris, Vatican City, and Berlin, as he seeks support for Ukraine in light of ongoing military challenges. He believes that the coming months present a critical opportunity to advocate for peace and stability in Ukraine, avoiding further Russian aggression.

However, according to the article, it is on the political front that Zelenskyy now wants to convince the Europeans. He knows that he can never officially renounce the occupied territories, as that would be too unpopular for any Ukrainian politician to say. Instead, he would be ready for a ceasefire along the current line — without recognizing a new official border — in exchange for commitments from the West. First and foremost, he seeks a security guarantee from the United States, similar to those extended by the Americans to Japan, South Korea, and the Philippines.

From Rome, Paris, and Berlin, Zelenskyy would like assurances regarding a rapid entry into the European Union, providing Ukraine with a horizon for growth.

The article highlights the significant territorial losses Ukraine faced in September and underscores the military challenges Ukrainian forces currently encounter on the Donbas front. It emphasizes that Zelenskyy's diplomatic efforts are crucial for navigating the complexities of the situation.

By Tamilla Hasanova