The firmness of positions now, in preparing the relevant agreement, ensures the long-term peace after this war. This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky during a joint press interaction with President of France Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in Paris.
The Head of State thanked all partners, and particularly U.S. President Donald Trump, for their constant attention, support, and efforts to end the war. Today, the presidents of Ukraine and France held a joint conversation with European leaders, including representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, Italy, Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, Finland, the European Commission, the European Council, and NATO Secretary General. A separate discussion also took place with the head of the Ukrainian negotiation delegation, Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov, U.S. Presidential Special Representative Stephen Vitkoff, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
“These are special days when a lot can really change, and every day counts. Yesterday, the Ukrainian delegation held negotiations in the U.S. Tomorrow, as we all know, a representative of the U.S. President will be in Russia. We are making every effort to end this war, and it must be ended with dignity,” Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized.
According to the President, active and honest cooperation between Ukraine, Europe, and the U.S. in pursuit of peace and guaranteed security can ensure the long-term interests of the democratic world.
“Sometimes it may seem that everyone is acting individually – America, Europe – but believe me, we all equally need security and stable economic development. And this is our common interest. Therefore, our shared interest is to live without war,” the President stressed.
Volodymyr Zelensky noted that Russia must end the war it started, and the joint actions of partners contribute to this.
The Head of State also spoke about the consequences of the Russian missile strike on Dnipro. The President of France expressed condolences to Ukrainians who lost their loved ones in the attack. Zelensky emphasized that Russia carries out such attacks daily. It is important to provide effective protection and security guarantees for Ukraine to prevent a third Russian invasion.
“When we talk about peace, it is clear that everyone must have their role. Russia must stop its aggression, and so far, it has shown no signs of this. Ukraine is the only party that can negotiate over its territories, because these are its territories recognized under international law,” added Emmanuel Macron.
The President of Ukraine emphasized that the war must not become a profitable venture. This is why there are firm positions regarding sanctions, accountability for war crimes, the legal status of Ukrainian territories currently occupied by Russian forces, Russian assets, and the obligation for reconstruction.
“The stronger the unified positions of the world on these issues, the more reliable and lasting peace will be. And this depends not only on Ukraine but on our united stance in Europe and the position of the United States of America. It concerns not only when this war ends, but also how long the next war will be prevented. Firmness of positions now, in preparing the relevant agreement, is the long-term peace after this war,” concluded Volodymyr Zelensky.
