Zelenskyy says war could end by summer — but only under one condition that depends entirely on US

Russia launches drones instead of a response to peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Kyiv has received no response from Russia regarding the US initiative for a so-called “energy ceasefire".

“On the contrary… we received a response in the form of drone and missile attacks,” claims Zelenskyy. 

According to him, this indicates that the Russian side is not yet ready to implement the proposal voiced by the American side in Abu Dhabi.

Miami or Abu Dhabi — not the point: Ukraine confirms readiness to meet

Commenting on a possible meeting in Miami, Zelenskyy has emphasized that there has been no confirmation from Russia, while Ukraine agreed immediately.

“The American side proposed holding it as early as next week — a meeting in America, in Miami. And we immediately confirmed,” he says.

The Ukrainian president has stressed that the format and location are not decisive.

“It doesn’t matter to us whether we meet in Miami or in Abu Dhabi. The key is to achieve results,” Zelenskyy adds.

Security guarantees as a condition for ending the war

The Ukrainian president has expressed hope that the war with Russia could be phased out by summer — provided Ukraine receives clear security guarantees.

“These are security guarantees, primarily from the US, including strong military packages and so on,” he notes. 

According to Zelenskyy, signing the relevant agreement currently depends solely on the US's position.

Pressure, not illusions: position on dialogue with Russia

Zelenskyy also reported that on 11 February, he spoke with French President Emmanuel Macron. They discussed details of contacts in Abu Dhabi with Russian and American representatives, as well as the outcomes of meetings held in Russia by Macron’s adviser, Emmanuel Bonne.

They agreed to continue substantive discussions during the Munich Security Conference. 

The Ukrainian president has emphasized that relations with Russia require not only dialogue but also pressure. In his view, "with the 'Russians,’ one must build not just dialogue, but pressure." Europe needs arguments in hand in order to apply pressure.

“Otherwise, they will simply treat Europe without respect. And it seems to me that they derive satisfaction from that,” Zelenskyy adds.

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