Zelensky Urges Unified Western Front for Peace in Ukraine Amidst Trump's Return
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the necessity for both Europe and the United States to collaborate towards achieving a lasting peace during discussions with European Union leaders at their final summit before Donald Trump's inauguration. Trump, who is set to return to the White House next month, has expressed intentions to swiftly conclude the ongoing conflict that has been devastating Ukraine since Russian President Vladimir Putin's invasion in 2022, which NATO estimates has resulted in over one million casualties.
As deliberations about possible strategies to ensure a ceasefire progressed, discussions regarding the potential deployment of peacekeepers have emerged, albeit lacking in concrete details. Zelensky asserted that to establish effective peace mechanisms, U.S. involvement is crucial, stating, "I believe that the European guarantees won't be sufficient for Ukraine."
Following talks with his European counterparts, Zelensky acknowledged support for French President Emmanuel Macron's proposal concerning the possible deployment of Western troops, but highlighted the need for specificity regarding their roles and numbers to effectively counter any potential aggression from Russia. "If we are talking about a contingent, we need to be specific about how many, what they will do if there is aggression from Russia," he stated, insisting that any peace efforts must not be a superficial gesture but based on practical and efficient structures.
With the specter of Trump's administration looming, Ukraine's European allies have voiced concerns about potential reductions in U.S. military support and the possibility of Ukraine being pressured into unfavorable concessions with Moscow. To counteract the uncertainty of Trump’s policies, Ukrainian leaders are advocating for increased European support to ensure a fortifiable position going into any negotiations.
Zelensky has moderated his previous stance regarding peace negotiations, indicating a willingness to cease hostilities if Ukraine receives solid security guarantees from NATO and sufficient weaponry. However, NATO's response has fallen short of granting Ukraine an immediate pathway to membership, leading to speculation that a contingent of peacekeepers could serve as an alternative solution to bolster security.
As the situation on the battlefield remains precarious, Kyiv's urgent need for enhanced air defenses and military supplies has intensified, particularly as Ukrainian forces are struggling against Russian advances. Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda reaffirmed the commitment, saying, "We have to do everything that is in our hands to support Ukraine."
Zelensky underscored that Europe alone cannot provide the necessary support for Ukraine and reiterated the importance of a joint U.S.-European effort to effectively counteract Putin's ambitions. He stated, "I think only together the United States and Europe can really stop Putin and save Ukraine."
While Ukraine remains a primary concern for EU leaders, the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria also presents a new landscape of both opportunities and uncertainties for Europe. As international actors vie for influence in the war-torn nation following the end of the Assad family's long-standing rule, reservations remain regarding the rising authority of Islamist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), which is connected to Al-Qaeda and branded as a terrorist entity by several Western nations.
During the summit, leaders debated how quickly to engage with the new authorities in Syria, with countries like Italy advocating for swift action. Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stressed the importance of the EU demonstrating readiness to provide humanitarian support while stabilizing the situation by engaging with HTS under strict conditions.
The EU's commitment to ramping up support for Syria comes with stipulations that include respecting minority rights, promoting an inclusive transition, and rejecting extremism, alongside efforts to limit the influence of Russian bases that have been instrumental in asserting Moscow's power in the region.
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