Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a press convention with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen in Kyiv, Ukraine, Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023.
| Photo Credit: AP
President Volodymyr Zelensky denied on Saturday that Ukraine’s conflict with Russia had reached a “stalemate”, pushing again at ideas Western leaders have been lobbying for peace talks.
The sprawling frontline between the 2 warring sides has barely moved in virtually a yr, with one senior Ukrainian official warning this week that the battle was deadlocked.
“Time has passed, people are tired… But this is not a stalemate,” Mr. Zelensky instructed a press convention in Kyiv with EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen.
The Ukrainian chief additionally rejected the concept Western nations have been placing stress on Kyiv to enter negotiations with Russia, amid experiences U.S. and EU officers had mentioned what such talks would entail.
“No one among our partners is pressuring us to sit down with Russia, talk to it, and give it something,” he mentioned.
With the conflict now in its twentieth month and Ukraine struggling to achieve floor in its counteroffensive, Mr. Zelensky has routinely met Western leaders in a bid to stave off fatigue with the battle.
Mr. Zelensky mentioned the conflict between Israel and Hamas had additionally drawn consideration away from Ukraine, and mentioned that this was “Russia’s goal”.
“Of course, it’s clear that the war in the Middle East, this conflict, is taking away the focus,” Mr. Zelensky mentioned.
“We have already been in very difficult situations when there was almost no focus on Ukraine,” he mentioned, however added: “I am absolutely sure we will overcome this challenge.”
Ukraine’s backers, together with the U.S., have maintained they’re able to help Kyiv with army and monetary help for so long as it takes to defeat Russia.
Mr. Zelensky’s feedback got here as EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen visited Kyiv to debate Ukraine’s progress towards becoming a member of the 27-member bloc.
Kyiv acquired EU candidacy standing a number of months after Russia invaded final yr, however analysts have warned it faces an extended and tough path to membership.
“You have reached many milestones,” Ms. von der Leyen instructed Mr. Zelensky.
“Reforming your justice system. Curbing the oligarchs grip. Tackling money laundering and much more,” she mentioned.
“We should never forget you are fighting an existential war, and at the same time you’re deeply reforming your country,” she added.
She mentioned she was “confident” Ukraine would progress with the accession course of when these reforms have been applied.
The EU Commission has proposed an extra 50 billion euros ($54 billion) in funding for Ukraine till 2027, von der Leyen mentioned.
Almost all EU member states again additional long-term assist for Kyiv, with solely Hungary and Slovakia holding out.
The Commission now has till November 8 to submit a report on how a lot progress Ukraine and different EU hopefuls Moldova and Georgia have made forward of a summit of the bloc in December.
Source: www.thehindu.com
