Critical Video Call on Ukraine Peace Efforts: Zelenskyy and Global Leaders Convene Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Leaders of the so-called coalition of willing nations are set to hold a video call this Thursday as efforts from the United States to broker a peace deal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine reach a pivotal moment. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his officials will present a revised version of a peace plan to U.S. negotiators on Wednesday, ahead of the discussion involving leaders and representatives from approximately 30 nations. Zelenskyy will attend the call alongside British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German leader Friedrich Merz, who recently convened for a four-way meeting in Downing Street. Numerous leaders from nations supportive of Ukraine are expected to join. "This week may bring news for all of us," Zelenskyy stated on social media platform X. "We believe that peace has no alternative, and the key questions are how to compel Russia to stop the killings and what specifically will deter Russia from a third invasion." The upcoming video conference follows discussions among Starmer, Macron, and Merz with former U.S. President Donald Trump, where they agreed on the urgency of the situation, as reported by British media. Intensive efforts to refine the peace plan are ongoing and are expected to continue in the days ahead. European leaders are also drafting security guarantees for Ukraine, should a peace agreement be reached. However, there remains skepticism regarding the willingness of Western nations to provide substantial guarantees that would safeguard against future Russian aggression after a potential deal. Trump's stance has varied between support and dismissiveness regarding Ukraine since beginning his term. His recent peace proposals, seen as favoring Russia, combined with a new U.S. national security vision that critiques European allies, have raised concerns among these nations. Historically, Zelenskyy has reached out to European leaders for aid during periods of strain with the U.S. president. Earlier this week, Trump remarked that Zelenskyy had not even reviewed his draft peace outline, suggesting that Russia might be satisfied with it, but he expressed doubts about Zelenskyy's approval. Russian officials have expressed support for Trump's diplomatic approach, with President Vladimir Putin acknowledging five hours of discussions held with White House representatives in the Kremlin last week. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov remarked that Trump is the only Western leader who comprehends the factors that precipitated the war in Ukraine. However, skepticism remains regarding Russia's willingness to enter a peace agreement, especially under the conditions put forth by Washington, which may require Kyiv to relinquish control of the entire Donbas region. Putin has consistently indicated a desire for a comprehensive agreement to the ongoing conflict. Domestically, Zelenskyy faces increased pressure, particularly following a corruption scandal that led to the dismissal of his close advisor and chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. Trump further compounded this pressure by suggesting Ukraine hold elections and questioning Zelenskyy's prospects of winning, noting the lack of electoral processes in the country. "They haven’t had an election in a long time… it gets to a point where it’s not a democracy anymore," Trump said in an interview. While there has been a prevailing consensus in Ukrainian politics against holding elections during wartime — given that it is prohibited under martial law and could potentially play into Russia's hands — Zelenskyy recently responded to the pressure by stating he is prepared to conduct elections. He has requested the United States to assist in developing proposals for ensuring the safety of any election, with a private commitment to be ready for voting in the next 60 to 90 days, pending cooperation with international allies. On the battlefront, Russia continues its assaults on the city of Pokrovsk and nearby Myrnohrad, with reports indicating that Russian forces are utilizing armored vehicles, cars, and motorcycles to advance on the northern territory of Pokrovsk. While Russia claims to have fully captured the city, Kyiv maintains control over its northern regions. In a statement, a Ukrainian military source returning from Myrnohrad described the conditions as "absolute hell," confirming ongoing street battles amid Russia's assertion that 30 percent of the town is now under their control. The conflict's escalation highlights the urgent need for diplomatic resolutions, underscoring the high stakes at play as world leaders convene to address the crisis. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2 • Source 3