Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Saturday that security guarantees from the United States and European partners could open the way to ending the nearly three-year war with Russia, even as Moscow continues its military campaign.

In a post on X, Zelensky announced that negotiations on a framework of post-war security measures are advancing and may soon be finalized. “There is now a real chance to end this war, and Ukraine is ready for constructive steps that can bring true peace close,” he wrote.

Zelensky, however, cautioned that Russia has shown “no intention of peace,” pointing to ongoing shelling of Ukrainian cities. He stressed the importance of diplomatic pressure and a high-level summit, saying recent signals from Moscow require a shift in Russia’s stance before real progress can be made.

International Talks Gain Momentum

Zelensky’s remarks came after a phone call with Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof, as consultations with NATO allies intensify. According to Politico, negotiations between U.S., European, and Ukrainian representatives accelerated following a meeting last week in Alaska between U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Trump-Putin talks ended without concrete outcomes, but highlighted Putin’s unwillingness to commit to a ceasefire. On Monday, Trump suggested that a direct meeting between Zelensky and Putin is being prepared, although Moscow has yet to confirm Putin’s participation. Trump has also met with European leaders to discuss arranging such a summit.

Escalation on the Ground

While diplomatic efforts continue, Russia has escalated attacks inside Ukraine. Early Thursday, Russian forces launched a large-scale aerial assault on western Ukraine, striking a U.S.-owned Flex manufacturing plant in Mukachevo that produced consumer electronics.

Ukrainian defense officials said the attack involved 574 drones, 33 cruise missiles, and six ballistic missiles. Air defenses intercepted most of them—546 drones, 30 cruise missiles, and one ballistic missile—but the factory was destroyed. Authorities reported no casualties.

At the same time, fighting has intensified in the Donetsk and Kharkiv regions, with heavy shelling causing further destruction in eastern Ukraine.

Security Guarantees Under Discussion

Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday that talks with NATO allies are focused on finalizing a security guarantees framework. Sources said the package could include military assistance, economic aid, and potential assurances of NATO membership, though details remain under negotiation.

The United Nations reported on Friday that civilian casualties in Ukraine have surpassed 11,000 since Russia’s invasion began on February 24, 2022, underscoring the urgency of reaching a resolution.

With both sides under pressure, hopes are rising for a breakthrough in talks, though major obstacles remain. While Zelensky signals readiness for compromise, Russia’s unrelenting strikes and refusal to commit to peace talks cast uncertainty over the diplomatic process.

For now, the world watches as the possibility of a Zelensky-Putin summit looms—an event that could shape the next chapter of the war. (ILKHA)