Ukrainian President Zelensky emphasizes EU membership as a significant security assurance
In the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, various world leaders are taking significant steps to support Ukraine and pursue a peaceful resolution.
US President Donald Trump has planned to speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, aiming to continue his efforts in reaching a peace agreement between the two nations. This call comes after Trump discussed the matter with European politicians during a telephone conference.
Meanwhile, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte has expressed incomprehension towards concerns about how Russia might react to Western security guarantees for Ukraine. Rutte stated that Russia does not get to decide on troops in Ukraine, emphasizing that it is a sovereign decision for Ukraine to make.
Yesterday, clashes between Russian and Ukrainian troops occurred 180 times along the front line, with 55 of these engagements taking place near Pokrovsk. These ongoing conflicts highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution.
France's President Emmanuel Macron assured Zelensky of France's permanent support, while German Chancellor Friedrich Merz continues to hope for increased engagement from US President Trump in supporting Ukraine.
Zelensky has stated that there is agreement in the "Coalition of the Willing" on the general framework for security guarantees for Ukraine. The coalition, which includes France, the United Kingdom, Canada, Poland, Lithuania, and others, declared their readiness to provide peacekeeping forces for Ukraine after a ceasefire was achieved, as agreed upon at a conference in Paris on September 30, 2022.
Germany aims to support the offensive capabilities of Kyiv, including helping with the production of Ukrainian long-range missiles, and has promised a significant increase in weapons systems and air defense. The German government is also planning to take over the equipping of four mechanized Ukrainian infantry brigades.
However, Russia has rejected plans for the possible deployment of foreign troops in Ukraine as "unacceptable." In response, Merz has threatened further sanctions against Russia if there is no progress in negotiations for a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Political scientist Claudia Major has warned against a "German exceptionalism" in discussions about security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a collective effort. Major also criticized the focus on Germany's military contribution, suggesting that discussions should instead revolve around how to end the war.
Major sees no signs that Putin would agree to a ceasefire, which she says is a prerequisite for deploying German troops to secure peace. Despite this, the "Coalition of the Willing" began consultations on Thursday on security guarantees for Ukraine, with the German government planning to make concrete proposals for a German contribution.
The European partners have expressed the hope that the USA would continue to "substantially contribute to the joint efforts to support Ukraine." Trump has also called on European heads of state and government to stop buying Russian oil, and has urged economic pressure to be exerted on China, as it is financing Russia's war efforts.
Russia's former president, Dmitri Medvedev, has threatened to seize British assets in response to London's support for Ukraine. Medvedev suggests that if legal action is not possible, Moscow will seek retribution by seizing more Ukrainian territory or by seizing the assets of the British crown.
As the conflict continues, around 216,000 people still live in the contested part of the Donetsk region in the Donbass industrial area, with particularly vulnerable places being evacuated. The loss of life is a stark reminder of the human toll this conflict is taking.
According to Ukrainian military data, Russia has lost 1,085,410 soldiers since the start of the war, including dead and wounded soldiers. The economic impact of the war is also evident, with Russia's economy cooling faster than expected, and warnings of an economic downturn mounting.
The USA will determine its support for security guarantees for Ukraine in the next few days. A strong Ukrainian military is considered the most important security guarantee for Europe by EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. As the international community continues to work towards a peaceful resolution, the hope is that these efforts will lead to a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.
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