Ukraine seeks diplomatic solution to war amid talks with world leaders: Video
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated the country’s commitment to finding a “diplomatic resolution” to its ongoing war with Russia, citing the need to save lives.
His comments on Monday, December 9, came after weekend discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Speaking at a joint press conference alongside German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s openness to negotiations while acknowledging the challenges posed by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
"We talked about the frozen conflict in a recent meeting with Trump and Macron. I said that we want the war to end more than anyone else in the world. Certainly, a diplomatic end to the war will bring more lives saved," Zelenskyy stated.
However, the Ukrainian leader emphasised his scepticism about Putin’s willingness to end the conflict voluntarily. He called for increased international support to strengthen Ukraine's position.
“I emphasised to President Macron and President Trump. First of all, you will see that Putin does not want this war to end, so he has to be forced into peace. He can only be forced if Ukraine is strong," Zelenskyy said.
Trump, preparing to assume office on January 20, has consistently voiced confidence in his ability to end the war quickly. Following his meeting with Zelenskyy in Paris, Trump told the New York Post that the Ukrainian president is eager to negotiate a ceasefire.
“He wants to have a cease-fire,” Trump told the newspaper. “He wants to make peace. We didn’t talk about the details. He thinks it’s time, and [Russian President Vladimir] Putin should think it’s time because he’s lost—when you lose 700,000 people, it’s time. It’s not going to end until there’s a peace.”
