Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced on December 3, 2023, that Ukraine is “willing to do whatever it takes” to conclude its ongoing conflict with Russia. This declaration comes ahead of a significant meeting with former US President Donald Trump in Florida. In a series of posts on X, Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of international support in stopping Russian aggression, stating, “If the whole world – Europe and America – is on our side, together we will stop Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks followed a renewed wave of attacks from Russia targeting the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv. Reports indicate that these assaults involved hundreds of drones and missiles, resulting in at least one fatality and 27 injuries, according to local authorities. “Another Russian attack is still ongoing,” Zelenskyy detailed, reporting nearly 500 drones and approximately 40 missiles aimed primarily at energy facilities and civilian infrastructure.
The Ukrainian leader warned that the current situation exposes the true intentions of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his administration. He insisted that the lack of a decisive response from the international community would prolong the conflict, stating, “If anyone – whether the U.S. or Europe – is on Russia’s side, this means the war will continue.”
Zelenskyy is poised to present a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal during his meeting with Trump. He stressed the importance of strong negotiations supported by adequate military assistance, including air defense systems, which he described as currently insufficient. “For us, priority number one – or the only priority – is ending the war,” he said.
In the wake of these developments, the Russian Defense Ministry confirmed conducting a “massive strike” using precision-guided weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles, targeting what it described as military-related infrastructure in Ukraine. The ministry justified this action as a response to Ukrainian attacks on civilian sites in Russia.
Zelenskyy’s statements underscore a growing urgency to address the humanitarian crisis escalating in Ukraine. He criticized the ongoing attacks, which he described as “sick activity” during the Christmas and New Year period, and called for a robust international response. “The United States has this capability. Europe has this capability. Many of our partners have this capability. The key is to use it.”
In his posts, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine did not initiate the conflict and expressed gratitude for the international community’s support, particularly from the United States and Europe. He mentioned that Ukraine has made numerous concessions and is committed to a peaceful resolution.
As Zelenskyy prepares for his meeting with Trump, the former president has stated he will play a crucial role in shaping any peace agreement. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump remarked, indicating a decisive approach to the negotiations.
The situation remains fluid as both leaders prepare for discussions that could significantly impact the course of the ongoing conflict. The international community watches closely, as the potential for a diplomatic resolution hangs in the balance against a backdrop of continued violence and instability in the region.
