Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is ready to take steps toward de-escalating the war and to consider diplomatic proposals in cooperation with its international partners.
Zelenskyy’s statement came after U.S. President Donald Trump called for an end to the war in Ukraine and said that Russia’s oil-refining industry had suffered significant damage. Trump said on September 21 that Russia had “lost control” of its diesel industry and urged an end to what he described as the “never-ending” war.
Zelenskyy agreed with Trump that the war must end, stressing that Ukraine has sought a peaceful solution since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
“We have already made dozens of diplomatic proposals to end this war with dignity, guarantee security and prevent new Russian invasions. Right now, there is a dialogue with President Trump and the United States,” Zelenskyy said.
According to the Ukrainian president, concrete ideas are being discussed to bring peace closer and reduce tensions. One such proposal involves stopping Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy facilities, critical infrastructure and food exports.
“Ukraine’s energy sector, critical infrastructure and our food exports must stop being targets for Russia, and this will lead to corresponding de-escalation steps on our part. Solutions are possible,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that Ukraine is prepared to take corresponding steps and that these ideas will be discussed with international partners, including during meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York this week. Zelenskyy and Trump are expected to meet in New York on September 22.
Zelenskyy also said that the war has entered a stage in which Russia is increasingly experiencing consequences from the conflict, arguing that advances in technology have changed the way modern warfare is conducted.
“It will no longer be the case that only the country under attack suffers. The nature of war is now such that the aggressor will suffer as well. Technology makes this possible,” Zelenskyy said.
“The strength of countries’ leadership can and must deliver de-escalation, security and peace,” he concluded.
