Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has conveyed his aspirations to conclude the ongoing war this year, marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. In a recent address, he emphasized the necessity for robust security guarantees to deter any future aggression from Moscow, suggesting that membership in the European Union and NATO would significantly bolster Ukraine’s defense.
Security guarantees and NATO membership
During a summit in Kyiv attended by European leaders and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Zelensky stated, “We hope that we can finish the war this year.” He described the conflict as having been “very difficult” for the nation, highlighting the emotional and physical toll it has taken on the Ukrainian people.
Zelensky further articulated the urgency for security assurances, asserting that swift accession to the EU and NATO would be of immense help. He previously remarked that he would consider stepping down from the presidency if it meant securing NATO membership for Ukraine, a proposition Russia has categorically rejected in the context of any peace negotiations.
Prisoner exchanges as a pathway to peace
Responding to questions regarding his relationship with the United States, particularly in light of recent comments made by former President Donald Trump, Zelensky refrained from direct commentary, expressing hope for continued American support alongside that of other allies. This comes after Trump labeled Zelensky “a dictator” and criticized his leadership amid the ongoing conflict.
“This is the fair and just option,” Zelensky remarked, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive exchange of prisoners of war as a potential starting point for peace negotiations.
Since the onset of the war, there have been approximately 60 exchanges of prisoners, including a significant one in December involving hundreds of individuals. Zelensky noted the plight of thousands of Ukrainians currently detained in Russia, many of whom have been imprisoned since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The number of Ukrainian prisoners held by Russia is estimated to exceed 8,000.
The summit featured prominent figures such as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa, with several leaders participating via video link from nations including the UK, Germany, and Japan, though no representatives from the US were present. Trudeau emphasized the importance of justice in international relations, stating, “might no longer means right in this world.”
Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen indicated an openness to deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine once the conflict reaches a resolution, although she acknowledged that numerous questions remain unanswered. Von der Leyen expressed that the future of not only Ukraine but Europe itself hinges on the outcome of this conflict, asserting that Ukraine could potentially join the EU before 2030 if it continues to advance its reform efforts.
As discussions unfold ahead of French President Emmanuel Macron’s anticipated meeting with Trump in Washington, the fate of Ukraine remains a paramount issue on the international stage, where the toll of the war has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and widespread devastation across the country.