Zelensky speaks to Europe: Progress in the peace plan!

Zelensky speaks to Europe: Progress in the peace plan!

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky plays a central role in the current talks about a peace plan for Ukraine. After important negotiations with the USA, he is now consulting with European allies to find a way out of the decades-long conflict. A crucial meeting will be led by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London, where Chancellor Friedrich Merz of Germany and French President Emmanuel Macron will also be present. Although Macron has stressed the importance of the meeting, the situation remains tense because despite progress in the talks, Russia continues its attacks on Ukraine, even with massive airstrikes, particularly on the city of Kremenchuk, reports said Radio Wuppertal.

Zelensky himself emphasizes the constructiveness of the negotiations that recently took place in Florida, where he took part by telephone. The points discussed include security guarantees for Ukraine, but the details remain obscure for now. Rumor has it that there has been progress, but the issue is proving complicated, particularly because of territorial issues and Russian demands for withdrawals from Donbass.
A look at the big picture shows that distrust of the US negotiators, who also previously spoke with Vladimir Putin in Moscow, is growing. Many see them as representatives of American business interests without real diplomatic experience. However, there has been no open criticism from Ukrainian negotiators, which may be an attempt not to strain diplomatic relations.

Safety guarantees in focus

The debate about security guarantees is gaining momentum daily news reported. EU heads of state and government as well as the US President have already discussed what these guarantees could look like in the event of a peace agreement. EU Council President António Costa highlights the need to provide protection as required by Article 5 of the NATO Treaty.

In this context, the “Coalition of the Willing”, led by Great Britain and France, is expected to develop proposals in the coming days. Germany has signaled that it is ready to participate in these security guarantees. Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius emphasizes the need to find a clear line in negotiations and partner coordination.

An outlook on the military situation

However, implementing these security guarantees could pose a gigantic challenge. Experts estimate that around 150,000 soldiers would typically be necessary to provide credible military cover. US President Donald Trump has already made it clear that the US will support the security guarantees, although the details remain unclear. He has also proposed the idea of ​​providing air cover for European peacekeepers, although he opposes sending American troops.

But the lived reality is harsh: Russia's air strikes have once again caused devastating damage in Ukraine this weekend, and Ukraine's reactions remain unmistakable as its drone attacks on Russian refineries cause further tensions. In this context, it remains to be seen what progress can be made in the ongoing conflict and whether a peaceful solution that ends the bloodshed is ultimately on the horizon.