Ukraine is ready for a ceasefire along the current front line, but without recognizing the loss of territories in exchange for security guarantees from the US and the possibility of joining the European Union. The Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera writes about it.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived in Italy for the second time in a month, where he plans to meet with Prime Minister Georgia Maloney. He accepted an invitation to visit Rome on the evening of October 9, as the leaders' meeting in Ramstein did not take place. During his visit, Zelensky will also meet with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elysee Palace and visit the Vatican to meet with Pope Francis.
This activity of the president shows his desire to find a solution that will ensure peace for Ukraine and protect it from future aggressions from Russia. Zelensky noted that Ukraine has a real opportunity to achieve peace and stability already in autumn and winter. He emphasized that the situation on the front opens opportunities for decisive action to end the war by 2025.
Currently, Ukrainian forces have a numerical advantage in Donbas, but the situation surrounding the invasion of the Kursk region is complex. The invasion, analysts say, was intended to boost morale and gain allied support. However, significant forces of Ukraine found themselves isolated on the territory of Russia, which limits the possibility of assistance in Donbas.
Zelensky is trying to convince the Europeans to act on a political level. He knows that he will not be able to officially give up the occupied territories, but is ready for a cease-fire along the current line, without recognizing new borders, in exchange for Western commitments. These are security guarantees similar to those the US has given to Japan, South Korea and the Philippines.
However, these efforts are complicated by the fact that Vladimir Putin is not satisfied with the already captured territories. The Kremlin seeks to destabilize Ukraine and politically control it. Russia's defense budget continues to grow and is projected to reach $130 billion in 2025. Income from oil exports in 2024 will exceed pre-war levels. In a situation where sanctions do not weaken the Russian military machine, Putin has no reason to start peace talks.
