Zelensky names first step to peace talks with Russia

Active hostilities in Ukraine have been going on for over 2.5 years. However, a mutual cessation of attacks on energy infrastructure could be the first step towards ending the hot phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

This was stated by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy, RBC-Ukraine reports citing the Financial Times.

In particular, the head of state said that when it comes to energy and freedom of navigation, getting results on these points would be a signal that Russia may be ready to end the war.

Zelenskyy believes that if Moscow and Kyiv agree to stop strikes on infrastructure, it will be a significant step toward de-escalating the conflict.

“We saw during the first (peaceful - ed.) summit that a decision could be made on energy security. In other words: we do not attack their energy infrastructure, they do not attack ours. Can this lead to the end of the hot phase of the war? I think so,” the head of state said.

Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine is now raising the issue of security guarantees, including NATO, in conversations with Western partners.

“In all discussions, we are now raising the issue of security guarantees, and NATO is the strongest of them,” the president said.

Author - Dmitriy Levchenko, 23/10/2024