Zelensky vows peace plan by November amid global diplomatic efforts

Volodymyr Zelensky, president of Ukraine, announced in an interview broadcast by NHK television from Japan that Ukraine will develop a peace plan by November, preceded by talks with various countries about the state's territorial integrity.

Patience, support and diplomatic pressure are the three factors for a just end to the war (with Russia - ed.), emphasised Zelensky during an interview recorded on 26 July at the presidential residence in Kyiv.

He added that it is necessary to maintain unity in the Ukrainian cause. If the US and European nations maintain unity, it will be added pressure, and show Moscow that there is no chance, he assessed.

President Zelensky explained that he cannot agree to ceasefire proposals until Russia stops occupying parts of Ukraine's territory.

He informed that details of discussions with third countries are starting, among other things, on Ukraine's independence, aiming to create a peace strategy. He admits he has entrusted this task to the president's administration and diplomatic teams. He assured that the plan would be ready by the end of November.

In the conversation, he also mentioned China's absence at the peace summit in Switzerland in June. China, however, did not attack us, so we cannot force them to participate in similar undertakings, explained Zelensky.

Speaking about the upcoming relations between China and Russia, Zelensky wanted to find out what both sides are discussing and what signals they are sending. He stated readiness for a meeting with China and to listen to their proposals.

He also added that he plans to use the economic relations of EU countries with China to influence Beijing. The president believed that these countries should actively engage in the peace process.

Zelensky also revealed that during a phone conversation with Donald Trump, which took place on 19 July, he told the Republican candidate for President of the United States that Vladimir Putin is a killer of Ukraine.

We need to understand who we are dealing with. It is essential that Trump understands this, he admitted in an interview for NHK. He added that he invited Trump to visit Ukraine to see for himself what the situation in the country looks like.

President Zelensky also highlighted the importance of the support received from Tokyo. Japan is a representative of the G7 group and has provided us with economic, humanitarian, and technical support. They came to our aid so quickly. He recalled that it was the first country outside NATO to sign a cooperation agreement on security with Ukraine.