Ukraine’s President Calls for US Security Guarantees to End Russia’s War
Ludovic Marinryan M. Kelly | Afp | Getty Images
Zelenskyy’s Plea for Security Guarantees
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said late on Sunday that security guarantees for Kyiv to end Russia’s war would only be effective if the United States provides them, and he hoped to meet U.S. President-elect Donald Trump soon after his inauguration.
A New Hope for Diplomatic Resolution
In an interview with U.S. podcaster Lex Fridman, Zelenskyy praised the incoming U.S. president, who has vowed to rapidly end the war without explaining how, saying Ukrainians were counting on him to compel Moscow to agree to a lasting peace. Almost three years after Russia’s invasion, the election of Trump has sparked hope of a diplomatic resolution to stop the war, but also fears in Kyiv that a quick peace could come at a high price.
Zelenskyy’s Demands for NATO Membership and Ceasefire
Zelenskyy used the three-hour interview published on YouTube to call for Kyiv’s NATO membership and emphasized his belief that a ceasefire without security guarantees for Kyiv would merely give Russia time to rearm for a new attack. The Ukrainian leader said the White House under Trump had a vital role to play in providing security guarantees and asserted he and the U.S. president-elect saw eye to eye on the need for a “peace through strength” approach to ending the conflict.
Security Guarantees are Key
“Without the United States security guarantees are not possible. I mean these security guarantees that can prevent Russian aggression,” he said. He needed to sit down with Trump to determine a course of action to halt Russia, and European governments also needed to have a voice in that process before Kyiv could sit down for direct talks with the Russian side.
Conclusion
Zelenskyy’s plea for US security guarantees highlights the need for a robust international response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. As the international community waits with bated breath for a diplomatic resolution, Zelenskyy’s call for NATO membership and security guarantees sends a clear message: Kyiv will not rest until the war is brought to an end.
FAQs
Q: What does Zelenskyy want from the US?
A: Zelenskyy is seeking US security guarantees to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.
Q: What is Zelenskyy’s stance on NATO membership?
A: Zelenskyy has called for Kyiv’s NATO membership, citing the need for a strong alliance to counter Russian aggression.
Q: What is the current status of the conflict in Ukraine?
A: The conflict in Ukraine has been ongoing since 2014, with Russia’s invasion and ongoing fighting between Ukrainian government forces and Russian-backed separatists.
Q: What is the significance of the upcoming US presidential election?
A: The election of Donald Trump as the next US president has sparked hope of a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, but also fears that a quick peace could come at a high price.