Zelenskyy proposes plan to end hot phase of war in Ukraine

The Financial Times reported the information.

“When it comes to energy and freedom of navigation, getting a result on these points would be a signal that Russia may be ready to end the war,” Zelenskyy said at a press conference in Kyiv on October 21.

If Moscow and Kyiv agreed to stop strikes on their energy infrastructures, it would be a significant step toward de-escalating the conflict, Zelenskyy said of Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian oil refineries.

“We saw during the first [peace] 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,” he said.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia's willingness to negotiate primarily depends on the U.S. election. He added that he expects a “more positive reaction” from the U.S. vote. 

Zelenskyy explained that the focus of the U.S. is currently on the elections, not because there will be a new president, but because this makes any bold statements more challenging, as they want to avoid additional risks.

He denied any discussions with Western countries about a land-for-peace deal, which would see Ukraine join NATO in exchange for giving up territories currently held by Russia.

The Ukrainian leader stated that some partners might be considering this, but they communicate it not directly through him, but via the media. He mentioned that in all discussions, they are currently raising the issue of security guarantees, with NATO being the strongest of all.

According to Zelenskyy, the proposed “deterrence package” was a way to compensate for Ukraine's agreement to hand over nuclear weapons after the collapse of the Soviet Union. 

Zelenskyy stated that they have given a lot but received nothing in return, except for a full-scale war and a significant number of casualties. He pointed out that they do not have nuclear weapons, are not in NATO, and will not join NATO during the war, which is why he needs this deterrence package.

• The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, said that Ukraine is ready to discuss any adjustments to the peace formula, but only those that support territorial integrity and full sovereignty.