A Ceasefire Is the First Step: Zelenskyy Outlines the Conditions for a Just Peace

In addition, strengthening the Defense Forces and ensuring security are key priorities. The Ukrainian leader spoke about this during a speech at the Hudson Institute in Washington.

What did Zelenskyy say?

The President of Ukraine emphasized that a ceasefire must be the first step toward resuming diplomacy. According to him, working groups will only be able to develop a peace plan once hostilities have ceased.

Among the key conditions, the head of state highlighted the need to ensure long-term financial support for the Ukrainian military. He said that partners must support the army for at least ten years to defend the country and rebuild it following Russian attacks.

Separately, Zelenskyy noted the need to strengthen air defense and involve an international contingent. This refers to the presence on Ukrainian territory of representatives of the “Coalition of the Willing” with U.S. support. Despite this, the question of a clear mechanism for partners to respond in the event of renewed aggression by Russia remains unresolved.

In my opinion, first and foremost, we need to move toward the right position. Today, that means a ceasefire. That is the number one priority, and, in my view, only after that will we be able to begin genuine diplomacy, and working groups will be able to develop a plan– the president emphasized.

Earlier, the head of state noted that reliable security guarantees from the U.S. must be passed by Congress. According to him, Washington’s commitments must provide for a concrete and immediate response to the aggressor’s actions.