Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized his country’s determination to end the ongoing war with Russia, stating, “Ukraine is willing to do whatever it takes.” His remarks came just before a scheduled meeting with former President Donald Trump in Florida on December 17, 2023. Zelenskyy’s statements were shared via social media platform X, highlighting the necessity for global solidarity in support of Ukraine.
In his posts, Zelenskyy urged, “If the whole world – Europe and America – is on our side, together we will stop Putin.” He warned that any support for Russia from the United States or Europe would prolong the conflict. “There are no other options here,” he asserted, cautioning that Russia would not relent regardless of diplomatic agreements or messages.
Zelenskyy’s comments followed a fresh wave of Russian attacks on Ukraine, with Kyiv facing a barrage of drones and missiles overnight. Local authorities reported that the strikes resulted in at least one fatality and 27 injuries. “Since last night, there have been almost 500 drones and 40 missiles targeting Kyiv, mainly aimed at energy facilities and civilian infrastructure,” he detailed.
Ongoing Conflict and Peace Proposals
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks aimed to underscore the urgency of a peace initiative. Zelenskyy announced that he would present a comprehensive 20-point peace proposal during his meeting with Trump. This initiative seeks to address key issues in the ongoing conflict, which has claimed countless lives and displaced millions since it began.
Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s actions, stating, “The true attitude of Russian President Vladimir Putin and his inner circle is evident.” He expressed concern that Russia continues to escalate the conflict, even amidst proposed negotiations. “They do not want to end the war and seek to use every opportunity to cause Ukraine even greater suffering,” he said.
The Ukrainian president also responded to the recent attacks, stating, “If Russia turns even the Christmas and New Year period into a time of destroyed homes and burned apartments, then this sick activity can only be responded to with truly strong steps.” He emphasized that both the United States and Europe possess the capability to support Ukraine more effectively, particularly in terms of air defenses and military assistance.
International Support and Negotiations
In his messages, Zelenskyy reiterated that Ukraine did not initiate the war, placing the blame squarely on Russia. “Ukraine supported President Trump’s proposal for a ceasefire,” he indicated, highlighting the importance of international collaboration to achieve lasting peace. He stressed that Ukraine’s priority remains the cessation of hostilities, stating, “For us, the priority is peace.”
As discussions continue, Trump has asserted he will have the final say on any peace agreement. “He doesn’t have anything until I approve it,” Trump stated, indicating his significant role in the negotiation process.
The Russian Defense Ministry reported that its military conducted a “massive strike” targeting Ukrainian energy infrastructure, describing the use of long-range precision-guided weapons, including Kinzhal hypersonic missiles. The ministry claimed these strikes were retaliation for alleged Ukrainian attacks on Russian civilian targets.
In response to these developments, Zelenskyy called for unity among Ukraine’s allies, emphasizing that the support of the international community is crucial for a successful resolution to the conflict. He maintained that Ukraine’s defense capabilities remain underfunded, particularly in the production of weapons and drones.
The conflict in Ukraine continues to reverberate across the globe, with diplomatic efforts ongoing as leaders seek a resolution to this protracted crisis. The meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump may mark a pivotal moment in shaping the trajectory of peace negotiations moving forward.
