President Volodymyr Zelensky positively assessed the results of talks with the United States in Switzerland, but noted that very difficult work on the final peace plan lies ahead. The head of state said this in an evening address following a briefing by the Ukrainian delegation.
Changes in the plan
The Ukrainian delegation returned from Geneva after talks with the American side and European partners. Now the list of necessary steps to end the war may become workable.
"As of now, after Geneva, there are fewer points, no longer 28, and much of what is right has already been taken into account in this framework. There is still work for everyone to do now – very difficult – to produce a final document, and it must be done with dignity"
– the president said.
Positive assessment
Zelensky added that Ukraine appreciates the willingness of most of the world to help and the constructive stance of the American side. There were meetings practically all day – difficult, extremely detailed work.
The president said the delegation briefed him on a new draft of steps to achieve peace. He said he will discuss sensitive and particularly delicate matters directly with his American counterpart Donald Trump.
"Ukraine will never be an obstacle to peace – that is our principle, a shared principle, and millions of Ukrainians expect and deserve a dignified peace. We will do everything for this, we are ready to work as fast as possible"
– he emphasized.
Countering disinformation
Zelensky said there are many interests surrounding Ukraine, primarily from Russia – aimed at undermining the chance for an agreement and prolonging the war.
According to him, it is clear which interests are intertwined and who is trying to weaken Ukraine's position – spreading disinformation, intimidating people. Ukraine counters every attempt to derail the end of the war.
"Constructive work with partners is important to us. We look after Ukraine's interests and protect Ukrainians – these are our key frameworks for negotiations"
– the president stressed.
Earlier, amid the talks in Geneva, Zelensky said that some actors from Ukraine had begun promoting the Russian position.
Call for vigilance
In the same address the president urged people to respond to air-raid alerts promptly.
Context of the negotiations
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said there had been significant progress during the talks, but did not provide details on any agreements because the process is ongoing. He said there is no clear deadline and commented on security guarantees for Ukraine.
Sources for the Financial Times reported that the plan to resolve the war proposed by the United States was changed during the talks in Geneva.
In the initial version of the plan, which was unofficially published by the media, it said that Ukraine would have to give up the Donbas and part of its armaments, and also reduce the size of its armed forces to 600,000. The document contained 28 points.
