KYIV, March 15 (CHATNEWSTV) – President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in a virtual meeting of state leaders focused on support for Ukraine, gathering representatives from various nations, the European Union, and NATO. The summit was co-chaired by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron.
Zelenskyy highlighted that on March 11, the United States had proposed a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days, which could serve as a foundation for real peace negotiations. However, he accused Russia of obstructing the process. “Russia is doing everything to prevent it, spreading lies about the complexity of the ceasefire and the situation on the battlefield,” Zelenskyy said.
“This is Russia’s war – more than three years of full-scale fighting and destruction. To stop this, active pressure is needed, not just talks – pressure on Russia. Strong measures are needed to take even the first steps toward ending the war. This includes sanctions – sanctions against Russia must not only be maintained but continuously strengthened,” he emphasized.
Zelenskyy urged allies to define a clear stance on security guarantees, including the deployment of military contingents and commitments to long-term defense cooperation. He also called for increased defense production and strengthened air defense capabilities across Ukraine and Europe.
“This is a very bad signal – taking the Russians’ opinion into account regarding the contingent,” Zelenskyy said. “The contingent must be stationed on Ukrainian soil. This is a security guarantee for Ukraine and for Europe. If Putin wants to bring some foreign contingent onto Russia’s territory, that’s his business. But it is not his business to decide anything about Ukraine’s and Europe’s security.”
Ukraine’s forces, he noted, have stabilized the front in the Donetsk region, particularly in Pokrovsk, and continue operations in Russia’s Kursk region. “It’s a big work of our heroes and a big success,” he said.
Zelenskyy stressed the need for intensified sanctions, arguing that economic measures against Russia must not only continue but be strengthened. “To stop this, active pressure is needed, not just talks,” he stated. “Strong measures are needed to take even the first steps toward ending the war.”
He also called for clearer security commitments from European and American allies, proposing a multinational military presence to ensure long-term stability. “Security is the key to making peace reliable and lasting,” he said. “The European contingents must be stationed on Ukrainian soil, and America must serve as a backstop.”
Zelenskyy urged faster investment in defense production across Europe and Ukraine, warning against delays in manufacturing critical military supplies. “It shouldn’t take 3 to 5 years to produce ammunition when it’s about your defense and security,” he said.
In addition, he called for strengthening air defenses in Ukraine and across Europe. “We all need protection,” he said, thanking allies for their support.
Zelenskyy also appealed for global diplomatic engagement, urging leaders to rally nations across Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific in support of Ukraine. “We want to end this war in a just and final way,” he said. “And the world must understand that Russia is the only obstacle preventing peace.”
The Ukrainian leader placed blame squarely on Putin for prolonging the war. “For years, Putin has lied to the world, claiming he did not provoke or prolong this war,” Zelenskyy said. “But now, with the ceasefire situation, everything is clear. Whoever imposes unnecessary conditions that delay everything—that is the true cause of the war.”
Zelenskyy called on world leaders, including former U.S. President Donald Trump, to push for more severe sanctions and stronger diplomatic pressure to force Russia into negotiations. “Peace is possible when we all work together—for peace, for security guarantees, for ensuring that the aggressor gains nothing from this war,” he said.
