Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that a ceasefire with Russia is not on the table during discussions with European partners. Instead, he is advocating for increased Western support as Ukraine braces for a harsh winter amid his whirlwind visit to four European capitals.
During a short 48-hour jaunt to London, Paris, Rome, and Berlin, Zelensky was on a mission to secure both military and financial aid. Escalating concerns hover over the possibility of waning support if Donald Trump assumes the presidency in the United States next month.
After meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelensky refuted media claims suggesting negotiations regarding a ceasefire with Russia were underway. “This isn’t what we’re discussing,” he insisted. “It’s misleading. Russia is known for its media manipulation, so such reports aren’t surprising,” he added, reiterating the substantial misinformation prevalent in media narratives.
Zelensky expressed appreciation for Macron’s unwavering support during their discussions about Ukraine’s “victory plan” aimed at overcoming Russian aggression. “We need your backing before winter hits,” he emphasized, recognizing the “challenging situation in the east” and the substantial lack of vital equipment.
Without going into specifics, Macron acknowledged that Zelensky had outlined Ukraine’s “short-term strategy” and both leaders strategized about the coming weeks and months. Macron reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s resistance against the Russian onslaught.
This winter poses significant challenges for Ukraine, marking the harshest season since the widespread invasion commenced in February 2022. The Russian military’s assaults on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and advances along the eastern front heighten these challenges.
The discussions occurred following Macron’s rare visit to an undisclosed military installation in eastern France, where he met with Ukrainian troops receiving training as part of France’s military support program.
After arriving in Paris from London, Zelensky held talks with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. Following his meeting at Downing Street, Zelensky mentioned that he had presented the details of their victory plan, which aims to establish conditions conducive to a fair resolution of the conflict. Starmer noted that their meeting provided an opportunity to delve deeper into the plan.
Zelensky maintains that Ukraine is in urgent need of additional assistance to counter the territories Russia has recently captured in the eastern regions. He is also advocating for the authorization to employ long-range weaponry provided by allies, such as Storm Shadow missiles from the UK, to target military installations deep within Russia.
However, the United States and United Kingdom have hesitated to provide that approval, concerned it might drag NATO partners into a direct confrontation with Russia.
At his meeting in London, Zelensky did broach the subject of long-range weaponry. Mark Rutte, addressing media afterward, stated, “Legally, Ukraine is permitted to use its weapons against any threats, even if that means striking targets within Russia.” Yet, he added, “Ultimately, it’s up to individual allies to make their own decisions regarding support.” Rutte cautioned against placing disproportionate emphasis on long-range missiles, saying, “No one wins a war relying solely on a single type of weapon.” The focus, he stated, should revolve around comprehensive support for Ukraine.
Plans for a meeting with Ukraine’s allies in Germany that was set for Saturday were postponed after President Joe Biden opted to cancel his trip to concentrate on responding to the threat posed by Hurricane Milton.
On the battlefield, there are growing uncertainties surrounding an overarching offensive strategy targeting Russia’s Kursk region, particularly in light of Moscow’s intensifying efforts in eastern Ukraine.
The Kremlin has claimed its missiles successfully targeted two launchers of a US-made Patriot air defense system that Ukraine deploys to counter Russian missile strikes. “If this turns out to be a short-term mission, it could bolster our strength,” remarked Bogdan, a serviceman sipping coffee in a café in Druzhkivka. “However, if it morphs into a long-term commitment and we plan on remaining in Kursk, it may drain our critical resources.”
Ukraine is heavily reliant on billions in US aid to fend off Russia’s aggression, and the upcoming US presidential election this November could be a pivotal moment for the ongoing conflict. According to the German-based Kiel Institute, Western military and financial support for Kyiv might drastically drop to around €29 billion by 2025 if Trump returns to the White House. Trump has promised a swift resolution to the conflict, claiming he could “end the war in 24 hours” if elected—an outcome that raises concerns in Kyiv about the potential for being pressured into making significant concessions for peace.
Edited by: Ali Musa
alimusa@axadletimes.com
Axadle international–Monitoring
