zelensky Outlines Path to peace: Security Guarantees, Russian Accountability, and China‘s Role
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly stated that a lasting peace requires comprehensive security guarantees for Ukraine, accountability for Russia‘s actions, and a concerted effort to influence Russia through its key partner, China. He rejected any notion of territorial concessions as a viable solution, characterizing them as temporary reprieves that would inevitably lead to renewed conflict.
zelensky emphasized the interconnectedness of Ukrainian and European security. “When we are talking about security guarantees for us in Ukraine,this is actually security guarantees for the whole of Europe,” he stated,asserting that Ukraine’s security is now fundamentally linked to the broader continental stability.
A central component of zelensky’s vision for ending the war involves leveraging China’s influence over Russia. He acknowledged Russia’s growing economic and political dependence on China as a raw materials supplier,and urged international partners to “find a way to influence China so that they apply their influence on Russia for the end of the war.” He believes motivating Beijing to pursue a path that doesn’t support the conflict is crucial. This, he added, hinges on the combined strength and coordinated influence of the United States and Europe.
Zelensky stressed the importance of maintaining pressure on Russia through continued isolation and robust sanctions. He specifically called for strengthening existing tariffs and pursuing the confiscation of Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s recovery. He cautioned against a return to policies based on the belief that financial incentives can resolve the conflict, stating, “The Russian rate on money…should not work.”
Regarding potential negotiations, Zelensky was unequivocal: ”To give Putin this or that land of Ukraine so that he stops the war – this will not happen. This is not a solution. This is a pause.” He drew parallels to previous instances of territorial compromise, citing Georgia in 2008 and the annexation of Crimea and the conflict in Donbas in 2014, arguing that such concessions only delay, rather than prevent, future aggression.
Ultimately, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine seeks not a temporary ceasefire, but a “guaranteed end to the war, guaranteed security for Ukraine, [and] guaranteed responsibility of Russia for what it has done against Ukraine.” He believes a lasting peace can only be achieved through a commitment to these principles, and only ”if the world really wants the war to end.”
