During a UN Security Council meeting, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the idea of negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin, stressing that the war in Ukraine cannot be settled by talks but must be ended entirely.
As reported by the Moscow Times, Zelensky argued that Putin has violated numerous international norms and will not stop his aggression voluntarily.
“Russia can only be forced into peace,” Zelensky said, calling for increased global pressure on Russia to end the conflict.
He stressed the need to halt the aggressor and enforce the principles of the UN Charter.
No Room for Negotiations
Zelensky acknowledged that many world leaders wish to engage in dialogue with Putin, but he questioned what meaningful discussions could arise from such talks.
"What can be heard from a leader who continues to justify terror and war?" Zelensky asked, adding that Putin’s refusal to end the war only perpetuates destruction and madness.
The Ukrainian president reiterated that the war can only be resolved through his "peace formula", which includes the withdrawal of Russian forces and the restoration of Ukraine’s borders to their 1991 boundaries. He thanked Ukraine’s allies for their continued support and called on countries like Brazil, India, and others across Africa and Latin America to apply further pressure on Russia.
Following Zelensky’s remarks, Vasyl Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the UN, accused the Ukrainian president of pushing the world closer to World War III.
Nebenzya argued that Ukraine's stance was unrealistic and urged Kyiv to adopt “realistic” terms for ending the conflict, rather than holding out for what he called "unrealistic ultimatums".
Zelensky's "Winning Plan"
Zelensky’s address comes as he prepares to meet with US President Joe Biden and other world leaders. According to Bloomberg, Zelensky has prepared a "winning plan" that includes security guarantees, financial aid for Ukraine’s recovery, and continued military support from the West.
However, some of Ukraine’s allies have expressed disappointment with the plan, calling it a “wish list” lacking specific, actionable goals.
Bloomberg sources indicated that at least one Western ally suggested that it may be time to explore another peace proposal, possibly reaching out to Putin directly before the G20 summit in Brazil in November.
