The Ukrainian president has named the conditions for a possible end to Russia's war against Ukraine. From a conversation on the popular US podcast by Lex Friedman, it becomes clear that Zelensky is already making an indirect distinction between the Ukrainian territories controlled by Kiev and the five regions in Eastern Ukraine, partially or fully occupied by Russia - Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, Kherson and Crimea.
“For us, these regions remain Ukrainian”, the president assured and assured that Ukraine can join NATO and only with its part that is under Kiev's control, ARD points out.
NATO membership as a security guarantee
In order to achieve peace, Ukraine will need to receive strong arms packages from the US and the EU in addition to NATO membership - as an additional security guarantee. “Because without security guarantees, Putin will return“, Zelensky said.
And to further solidify a possible peace or ceasefire, additional sanctions against Russia will be needed to prevent Putin from continuing to fill his military coffers with revenues from the sale of oil and natural gas, ARD added, citing the Ukrainian president.
Trump must convince Putin to accept a ceasefire
In the interview, Zelensky again expressed his opinion that newly elected US President Donald Trump could play a decisive role in the outcome of the war. Trump must convince the Russian president to agree to a ceasefire, Zelensky believes: "Trump and I will reach an agreement and (...) we will offer strong security guarantees together with Europe, and then we will be able to talk to the Russians," he said, adding that he and Trump should lead the way, and Europe will support Ukraine's position.
Peace “within 24 hours“?
Trump's mandate begins on January 20. During his election campaign, he announced that he would restore peace in Ukraine “within 24 hours“ after taking office. In Ukraine, this was met with skepticism: the government in Kiev fears that it may be forced to conclude an agreement that is disadvantageous for the country.