Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed support for the idea of deploying peacekeeping forces to stabilize the situation in the country. Speaking to journalists in Brussels, he revealed that discussions with international partners on the matter are already underway.
“We support the idea of strengthening Ukraine. I appreciate that Emmanuel Macron has already held talks with some leaders. For now, I don’t want to share details because the process is ongoing. But I see positive signals from certain leaders regarding this. It’s not an easy process, as you understand the risks involved,” Zelensky said.
EU Position and Kaja Kallas’s Remarks
At the same time, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized that it is too early to discuss the deployment of peacekeeping forces, as Russia is not showing any interest in achieving peace. Her statement reflects the reality of ongoing Russian aggression, marked by attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilian populations.
Upcoming Visit by Trump’s Special Envoy
President Zelensky also confirmed the upcoming visit of Donald Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, to Ukraine. According to Zelensky, the visit is scheduled for early January.
In an earlier interview with FOX Business, Keith Kellogg stated that both Ukraine and Russia are ready for negotiations but require a mediator to bring the sides together. He expressed confidence that Donald Trump, if re-elected as U.S. President, could end the war by late 2025.
Additionally, Kellogg noted that Russian losses are five times higher than those of Ukraine, adding that the conflict resembles a war of attrition similar to World War II.
Provocative Statements by Trump
Meanwhile, Trump made several controversial remarks that have sparked criticism in Ukraine. For instance, he called the Biden administration’s decision to allow Ukraine to use American weapons for strikes on Russian territory “wrong and foolish.”
When asked by journalists if Ukraine should cede part of its territory to Russia, Trump replied that “there are no buildings there, and people won’t return.” He also suggested that it could take 100 years to rebuild the Ukrainian cities destroyed by Russia.
Such statements have drawn widespread condemnation, as they appear to undermine the sacrifices of thousands of Ukrainian defenders and disregard international legal principles.
Russian Aggression: Context and Challenges
Against this backdrop, Russia continues its large-scale military aggression on Ukrainian territory, targeting civilian infrastructure and exacerbating humanitarian crises. While calls for peacekeeping efforts demonstrate a desire for diplomatic solutions, they clash with the reality of Russia’s ongoing refusal to engage in meaningful negotiations.
Link to Related Topic
Learn more about the challenges of international justice in addressing Russian aggression in our article: “Putin’s Arrest: Why International Justice Faces Obstacles but Moves Forward”.