Zelenskyy: War could end before summer if US pressures Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that a ceasefire with Russia could be achieved before the summer, provided that the US increases pressure on Moscow. He made the statement while speaking to journalists, Ukrainian media reported.

“Whether it is realistic to end the hostilities before summer depends not only on Ukraine, but also on America, which must put pressure on the Russian Federation. If there is a desire not only on the Ukrainian side, but also on the side of the aggressor, then we will be able to end the hostilities before summer,” Zelenskyy stated.

The president outlined several steps that, in his view, must precede the establishment of a ceasefire. These include the signing of a security guarantees document between Ukraine and the US, approval of a “prosperity plan” for Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction with the involvement of the US and the European Union, agreement on a 20-point peace plan addressing key issues — including the future of the Donetsk region — and submitting the peace plan to a referendum.

“I think that all this can be done before summer,” Zelenskyy added.

Previously, the Ukrainian president indicated that the American side aims to bring the war to an end by June and is currently working on a timetable for negotiations.

He also said that Washington is considering the option of signing all major agreements simultaneously, including those related to security guarantees.

Responding to Zelenskyy’s remarks, US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker said there are no “deadlines” for ending the fighting between Ukraine and Russia, warning that “deadlines” in such matters are very dangerous.

At the same time, Russia continues to demand that Ukraine transfer control over the entire Donetsk region. Moscow remains unwilling to make territorial concessions.

By Tamilla Hasanova