Ukraine, Zelensky asks for safety ensures earlier than a ceasefire | EUROtoday

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BRUSSELS – Strengthened by the worry {that a} return of the unpredictable Donald Trump is inflicting within the European institution, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky took the chance of a go to to Brussels this week to insist with European companions on the urgency of acquiring «new safety ensures”. Meanwhile, the Twenty-Seven appear more willing than in the past to accept new responsibilities. In the absence of unanimity, some countries do not rule out ad hoc agreements.

«Ukraine wants security guarantees. We need a strong position. We want to work to end the war, we want peace, we want a stable peace (…) That said, before aiming for a ceasefire you need to have in mind what will happen the next day. Otherwise, we are just freezing the conflict and that’s it,” the Ukrainian leader said after attending the European Council on Thursday 18 December here in Brussels. He made it clear that he wanted American, as well as European, support.

Kiev’s objective is clear: to prevent next winter from weakening Ukraine to the point of putting it in a position of inferiority compared to Russia in any negotiations. The Ukrainian president spoke about security guarantees with some member countries, invited to an after-dinner on Wednesday evening at the residence of NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. According to a European source, two priorities have emerged: new air defenses and training of new troops.

«On Ukraine, I can tell you that the mood in the room was one of strong determination and our message remains crystal clear – said the President of the European Council António Costa in a press conference commenting on the European summit -. The European Union is united in its support for Ukraine to achieve a complete, just and lasting peace. Not just any peace, not a capitulation. Only Ukraine as an attacked country can legitimately define what peace means and if and when the conditions for credible negotiations are met.”

Even on the power entrance, Ukraine has made its calls for. The most up-to-date Russian bombings have hit energy crops, placing the electrical energy provide in danger. President Zelensky then known as for air protection techniques, whereas the European Commission has already stated it is able to proceed supporting Ukrainian power infrastructure. The European Council itself reiterated the significance of integrating the Ukrainian electrical energy grid with the European one.