Zelensky seeks US backing for peace plan amid Ukraine conflict
In a conversation with the Italian media, Volodymyr Zelensky revealed that he had a peace plan ready, which he wanted to show Americans first. "I hope I will have the opportunity to show it to Biden and potential US presidential candidates, Harris and Trump, and get their opinions," the Ukrainian president stated.
9:28 AM EDT, September 8, 2024
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with the Italian media, informed that he has a "plan" and wants to share it with US President Joe Biden and with the candidates in the US presidential elections: Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
"I have prepared a plan and want to share it with the incumbent US president because there are certain points that depend on America," he said in an interview with Rai TV, recorded during the Ambrosetti Forum in Cernobbio, Italy.
"I hope I will have the opportunity to show this plan to Biden and potential US presidential candidates, Harris and Trump, and get their opinions," Zelensky continued. "We want guarantees," he added, explaining that it is about guarantees from Americans.
"We haven't shared anything yet; the first contact will be with Biden. It's not just about weapons, but also about important global issues," explained the Ukrainian president.
According to the news agency L’Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata, it is about "guarantees of defense against possible new attacks from Moscow", which could occur even "after the current conflict ends."
"In case of invasion, peace talks are not held"
During a meeting with the Ukrainian president, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni assured of Italy's unwavering support for Ukraine. Meloni said abandoning Ukraine "will not bring peace but chaos," and the economic consequences "will be more severe than today's support for Ukraine." She declared support for Ukraine in the program of the Italian presidency in the G7 and Italy's continued involvement in "defending Ukraine and achieving a just and lasting peace."
During the forum's proceedings, Meloni considered the thesis that the outcome of the war has already been decided as "Russian propaganda." She added that Western support will eventually make peace talks possible. "In the case of invasion, peace talks are not held, a negotiation table is unnecessary. Its need arises, if at all, in a stalemate situation (...), which we have helped create," she said.
Meloni added that China and India also have "a role to play" in resolving the conflict. "The only thing that cannot happen is the thought that the conflict can be resolved by abandoning Ukraine," she emphasized.