Zelensky discusses possible peace plan with Russia at EU summit

Behind the scenes, the EU, NATO and Ukrainian President Zelensky are working on a plan to facilitate peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Zelensky was a guest at the EU summit in Brussels to discuss with European government leaders the conditions under which he is prepared to negotiate with Russia.

The EU countries will have to quickly agree on how they will help Ukraine to have the strongest possible seat at the negotiating table.

If Russia wants a seat at the table, and if there is a truce between the warring parties in the new year, this will only be possible with strong security guarantees, President Zelensky said.

He emphasized that in his eyes, Russian leader Putin cannot be trusted. “He’s very dangerous to everyone. To him, human lives don’t matter. I think he’s crazy. He likes to kill people.”

When Donald Trump takes office as the new president of the United States on January 20, pressure will increase to reach a deal quickly. “Welcome Donald,” Zelensky said. To then emphasize that a ceasefire only makes sense if there is a good plan for the future of Ukraine.

Last week, French President Macron and Polish Prime Minister Tusk spoke in Warsaw. Then it was about the possible deployment of European troops to monitor a truce in Ukraine. Polish media then wrote that it could involve 40,000 troops. But it is not clear exactly what numbers are needed.

After that conversation, Tusk was still reluctant about the idea. “I want to put an end to speculation about the deployment of European troops in Ukraine after a possible peace agreement or ceasefire.”

Even today at the summit, EU leaders did not want to get ahead of themselves. “Peace through strength” is the motto. It is clear that Zelensky spoke with Macron last night at the official residence of NATO chief Rutte about the possible deployment of European soldiers to comply with an agreement. “I support his initiative,” Zelensky said.

Yet he would prefer to see his country become a member of NATO. But in the run-up to this, the deployment of Western soldiers may be necessary to keep Putin at bay, Zelensky said.

After the EU summit, newly appointed Portuguese President of the European Council António Costa said that Ukraine can count on the support of the EU in determining the strategy. “Not at any price, no capitulation, only Ukraine itself can determine under what conditions a peace agreement can be reached.”

Prime Minister Schoof agrees. “The first thing we have to do together is to ensure that the situation at the front is such that Ukraine is strong. Then Ukraine can decide for itself under what conditions they ultimately want to conduct negotiations.”