Kyiv, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has cautioned that a ceasefire without solid security guarantees for his country would not bring a lasting end to Russia’s invasion. Speaking at a press conference after talks with European allies in London on Sunday, Zelenskyy dismissed the idea that a ceasefire alone would be sufficient, calling it "not enough."
"It will be a failure for everyone if Ukraine is forced into a ceasefire without serious security guarantees," Zelenskyy told journalists. He predicted that without such guarantees, Russia might breach any agreement, forcing Ukraine to retaliate. "We need assurances that this won’t just be a pause in aggression," he added.
The discussions in London marked what Zelenskyy described as a "very powerful start" toward securing lasting peace. "Negotiations in the coming weeks will provide a more actionable plan and a better understanding of what Ukraine’s security guarantees could look like," he said.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France and the United Kingdom are proposing a one-month truce in Ukraine — focusing on halting attacks in the air, at sea, and on energy infrastructure. Ground fighting would not be initially covered. This proposal aims to reduce immediate threats to civilian life and critical services.
However, not all allies are aligned on this approach. On Monday, the UK’s Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, did not confirm Macron’s reported stance. "That’s not a plan that we currently recognize," Pollard told the BBC. "Certainly, there are a number of different options being discussed privately between the UK, France, and our allies at the moment. It’s probably not right for me to comment on each individual option as they occur."
Meanwhile, discussions are underway to develop a comprehensive peace plan. European leaders, including British officials, have agreed to draft a proposal to present to the United States, aiming to unify international efforts toward resolving the conflict.
Amid these diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy addressed rumors about his leadership. Russia has questioned his legitimacy, citing the postponement of Ukraine’s 2024 elections due to martial law, which legally prohibits elections during wartime. Responding to suggestions that he should resign, Zelenskyy stated, "If they replace me, given what is going on, given the support, simply replacing me will not be simple." He reiterated his commitment to leading Ukraine through the crisis but expressed openness to stepping down if it meant securing NATO membership for his nation.
The European Union has scheduled an extraordinary summit on March 6 to discuss additional support for Ukraine, potential security guarantees, and financing Europe’s defense needs. As the international community watches closely, the stakes remain high for Ukraine and its people.
