Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set an ambitious goal to have a comprehensive peace plan ready by November, paving the way for a second international summit. In a surprising twist, he’s extending an invitation to Russian representatives, aiming to broaden the dialogue.
Following the success of the first summit in Switzerland, which drew delegations from 92 countries, Zelenskyy is pushing forward with his peace initiative. Despite Russia’s initial dismissal, the Ukrainian leader remains optimistic about future negotiations.
Zelenskyy’s goals for the summit
“I’ve set a November deadline for a fully prepared plan,” Zelenskyy announced at a Kyiv press conference. He added, “I believe Russian representatives should attend the second summit.”
To prepare for this crucial meeting, Zelenskyy outlined a series of strategic gatherings:
• Late July/early August in Qatar: Focusing on energy security
• August in Turkey: Addressing food security
• September in Canada: Discussing POWs and children’s issues
Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russian forces continue their eastern advance. However, Ukraine’s defenses have been significantly strengthened by Western arms deliveries. Notably, Zelenskyy confirmed the imminent arrival of F-16 fighter jets, with the first batch expected this summer and more to follow by year’s end.
Zelenskyy believes F-16s will not change the outcome
Despite this support, Zelenskyy candidly admitted, “While these jets will bolster our forces, they won’t be enough to match the Russian air force. We anticipate needing a larger quantity.”
To address manpower needs, Ukraine has intensified its mobilization efforts. Zelenskyy reported that military recruitment is “proceeding according to plan” but emphasised the need for expanded training facilities to accommodate new recruits.
In Washington, U.S. officials discussed potential diplomatic negotiations with Zelenskyy during the recent NATO summit. However, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized that the decision to engage in peace talks ultimately rests with Ukraine.
As Ukraine strides towards peace while bolstering its defenses, the coming months will be pivotal in shaping the conflict’s trajectory. The world watches intently as Zelenskyy navigates the complex path towards potential negotiations with Russia, balancing diplomatic initiatives with military preparedness.
With inputs from Reuters
