Main theses of Volodymyr Zelenskyy during the press conference
Key statements by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy for the media during a press conference following the five-party meeting in the format of United Europe in Ukraine:
▫️ A ceasefire is set to begin on May 12, lasting for at least 30 days. Ukraine and its partners demand this from russia.
▫️ This position is supported by the United States. The United States was the first to propose a ceasefire regime on March 11 during negotiations in Saudi Arabia.
▫️ The ceasefire must be unconditional and comprehensive: in the air, at sea, and on land. Any attempt to impose conditions is evidence of an intention to prolong the war and undermine diplomacy.
▫️ If russia rejects a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire, sanctions should be intensified.
▫️ The comprehensive ceasefire should last for 30 days to give diplomacy a chance. During this time, efforts will be focused on defining the security, political, and humanitarian foundations for peace.
▫️ Ukraine is working with the United States at various levels and has productive dialogue with President Trump. European partners’ teams are also in constant communication with Washington.
▫️ Today, participants of the meeting in Kyiv spoke with Donald Trump and agreed on a common view on the next steps, emphasizing that a full and unconditional ceasefire and responsibility for refusal are very much needed. In the context of such a ceasefire, a foundation for peace can be agreed upon together.
▫️ The preparation of the 17th EU sanctions package is ongoing. It will be coordinated with the United Kingdom, Norway, and the United States. Ukraine welcomes Canada’s signal regarding the strengthening of sanctions.
