Title: The Stalemate in Ukraine War Negotiations
Zelenskyy dismisses U.S. proposal for a demilitarized zone: "The concept is now defunct"
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected the proposal for a demilitarized zone in the ongoing conflict with Russia after a press conference with Macron, Merz, Starmer, and Tusk in Kyiv. The idea of a demilitarized zone was initially floated by US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg, suggesting that both parties would withdraw 15 kilometers to create a 30-kilometer-wide area monitored by third-party observers [1][2][4]. However, according to Zelensky, Ukraine never proposed this idea. "If we agree on a buffer zone and withdraw 15 kilometers from cities like Kherson, Kharkiv, and Sumy, there will seem to be peace, but the war will continue because the artillery will fly over them." Therefore, it is premature to talk about this now, said Zelensky, adding, "And the idea is currently dead" [2].
During their visit to Ukraine's capital, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, together with President Zelensky, laid flowers at the memorial wall for fallen defenders. The leaders lauded the heroism and bravery of Ukrainians who sacrificed their lives to defend their land [3]. In a controversial move, former SPD parliamentary group leader Rolf Mützenich defended the contacts of leading Social Democrats with Russia [3]. Despite the controversy, Mützenich emphasized the necessity of seeking ways to end military violence and the significance of exploring potential paths to achieve a peaceful resolution [3].
Meanwhile, the Left Party leader Jan van Aken praised the visit of Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Keir Starmer, and Emmanuel Macron to Ukraine, as well as their push for a 30-day ceasefire. Interestingly, he suggested that they should visit Beijing next to engage with Putin [4]. Chancellor Merz underscored the need for unity among Germany, France, Britain, and Poland in demanding a 30-day ceasefire [4]. Despite the joint efforts, the Kremlin has shown a less conciliatory attitude, with Dmitri Medvedev, a deputy head of the Russian Security Council, dismissing the proposal as "cutting their own throats" [4].
Update: Russia has expressed its willingness to consider the proposal for a 30-day weapons ceasefire, as reported by Russian state media [6]. The Kremlin will examine the possibility presented by Kyiv's Western allies [6]. As the negotiations remain tense and the outcomes uncertain, the conflict in Ukraine rages on, with ongoing violations of the truce by both sides despite Russia's unilateral ceasefire [6].
For an intricate look at the political landscape, international involvement, and key figures in the Ukraine-Russia conflict, we've pulled together the following enrichment data:
- Ukraine Conflict
- Ukraine
- Military
- Military Deployments
- Russia
- NATO
- Cyber War
- Attack on Ukraine
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Vladimir Putin
- Wars and Conflicts
- War Crimes
[1] https://www.example.com/news/ukraine-war-live-ticker-zelensky-rejects-us-proposal-for-demilitarized-zone-it-s-dead/[2] https://www.example.com/news/zelensky-rebuffs-us-proposal-on-demilitarized-zone-in-ukraine-it-s-currently-dead/[3] https://www.example.com/news/rexam-politics-secret-talks-in-baku-spd-and-cdu-politicians-meet-putin-allies/[4] https://www.example.com/news/politics-merz-visits-kyiv-pressure-on-putin-if-no-to-ceasefire-trump-s-move-goes-the-way/[5] https://www.example.com/news/politics-divergent-statements-from-moscow-medvedev-shoving-peace-plans-up-yours/[6] https://www.example.com/news/russian-state-media-kremlin-to-consider-weapons-ceasefire-proposal/
- The Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has disagreed with the employment policy of a demilitarized zone in the ongoing conflict with Russia, stating that it could allow war to continue under a false pretense of peace.
- During their visit to Ukraine's capital, French President Emmanuel Macron, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz agreed on the importance of employment policy, emphasizing the necessity of seeking ways to end military violence and achieve a peaceful resolution in the Ukrainian conflict.
- The employment policy of a 30-day ceasefire has been proposed by Ukraine's Western allies and is currently being considered by the Russian government, as reported by Russian state media.
- Despite the ongoing discussions and proposals regarding employment policies, such as a demilitarized zone or ceasefire, the Ukraine-Russia conflict continues, with ongoing violations of the truce by both sides.
