Peace can be the result of well-considered diplomacy and absolutely clear security guarantees. This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his speech at the “Support Ukraine” plenary session.
The Head of State thanked Ukrainians and partners for supporting our country during three years of unprovoked full-scale Russian aggression.
“This year must be the year when real, lasting peace begins. Putin will not grant us this peace and will not hand it over in exchange for something. We must win peace through strength, wisdom, and unity – through our cooperation with you,” the President noted.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that a reliable and lasting peace is much more than silence on the front line; it will not work without security guarantees. According to the Head of State, since 2014, Russia has violated the ceasefire more than 25 times.
“When General Kellogg was in Ukraine, I provided him and provided the U.S. President with a document listing the ceasefires, with specific dates, that Russia had broken. That is why peace can only be the result of well-considered diplomacy and absolutely clear security guarantees,” Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.
The President outlined the main prerequisites for a just peace. First of all, the war is being waged against Ukraine. Therefore, Ukraine and Europe, together with the United States, must be at the negotiating table. He also added that the end of the war must begin with steps that will restore trust in the very situation – with the release of thousands of Ukrainian prisoners. Ukraine is ready for an exchange of all for all. Besides, our state deserves not only to join the EU, but also to receive the security guarantees provided by NATO.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also called on the partners to unite and fulfill all the obligations under bilateral security agreements.
“February 24 did not become a happy day for Putin precisely because we all united: Ukrainians in their own home, Europeans on their continent, America united with Europe, the G7, and all those in the world who felt how unjust Russia’s invasion is. Now, we must do more than yesterday. Support each other more than ever before. So that this year we can say: we did everything we could and had to do, and peace is here.” the President concluded.
