Daily Justice

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reaffirmed the need for security guarantees in any peace negotiations, arguing that a ceasefire without them would only prolong the conflict rather than bring about a just and lasting resolution.

In response to ongoing discussions surrounding a potential ceasefire, Zelenskyy outlined his vision for ending the war, emphasising that maintaining Ukraine’s defensive positions while fostering the right diplomatic conditions is the best path to a swift and fair peace.

“We need peace, true and honest peace – not endless war,” he stated, underscoring that security guarantees are essential to achieving this goal.

The Ukrainian leader drew attention to past failures in ensuring Ukraine’s security, highlighting how the absence of such guarantees 11 years ago enabled Russia to occupy Crimea and wage war in Donbas. This lack of international security commitments, he argued, subsequently emboldened Russia to launch a full-scale invasion in 2022 and continues to fuel the ongoing conflict.

“The world sees this, and the world acknowledges it,” Zelenskyy remarked, reinforcing that only firm security agreements can prevent history from repeating itself.

In light of these concerns, Ukraine has been actively engaging with its European allies to develop a robust diplomatic and security framework aimed at bringing the war to an end. Zelenskyy confirmed that discussions with European partners are ongoing, with the objective of crafting a special security architecture that would not only secure Ukraine’s future but also contribute to wider European stability.

As the debate over ceasefire proposals continues, Zelenskyy’s position remains resolute: without concrete security guarantees, any cessation of hostilities risks being temporary, leaving Ukraine vulnerable to further aggression. His call for sustained international commitment underscores the belief that lasting peace can only be achieved through security assurances that deter future conflict.