Ukraine’s Zelensky says Europe must clearly define security guarantees
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Mr Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine believed Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin was still interested only in continuing the war.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told a group of European leaders on Aug 28 it was important to produce a clear definition of security guarantees for Ukraine as part of a plan to secure a peace settlement with Russia after 3½ years of war.
The virtual meeting with Polish President Karol Nawrocki and the leaders of Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Denmark was organised in Poland and followed an overnight Russian attack on Kyiv
Mr Zelensky said the meeting's participants had "synchronised" positions by seeking greater pressure on Russia ahead of diplomatic meetings on the Ukraine conflict, which began with Russia's invasion of its smaller neighbour in February 2022.
In his remarks to the meeting, posted on the presidential website, Mr Zelensky said Ukraine believed Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin was still interested only in continuing the war.
Ukraine needed a solid basis for security guarantees that US President Donald Trump has agreed to and that have been under discussion for a week, and a shared understanding that Mr Putin deserved more pressure, Mr Zelensky said.
"And when we talk about security guarantees, we need clear answers - who will help us defend on the ground, in the air and at sea if Russia comes again?" he said. "And how exactly you can take part. I'm asking you to define your role."
Mr Zelensky said it was "important that President Trump sees we in Europe are united in our determination to end the war".
Mr Trump has been trying to arrange a meeting between Mr Putin and Mr Zelensky
The White House said the President was "not happy" with the overnight Russian assault.
Mr Zelensky has long backed Mr Trump's call for a meeting and supported calls from European leaders for a ceasefire ahead of negotiations.
Senior Ukrainian officials are due to hold talks with Trump administration officials in New York on Aug 29. REUTERS
