Zelensky has made it clear that any peace agreements will involve compromises that will not please everyone. According to him, a broad dialogue with Ukrainian society is therefore necessary, possibly followed by a referendum and elections.
Zelensky emphasizes that the primary goal is ending the war. In this context, Ukraine is working on a twenty-point peace plan, which includes security guarantees and reconstruction agreements. According to the president, the plan contains concessions that he acknowledges may lead to social dissatisfaction.
For this reason, Zelensky wants to actively involve the Ukrainian population in the decision-making. He states that consultation is essential when agreements provoke resistance. Ultimately, he says, there are democratic tools such as referenda and elections through which the population can express their will.
International partners also play a role in discussions about security guarantees. Zelensky indicates that the United States and the so-called coalition of willing countries are involved in this process. In this regard, he refers to consultations with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte about possible guarantees.
The role of the United States is also central to the broader debate on European security. NATO chief Mark Rutte has spoken out against ideas to decouple European defense from Washington. According to him, the United States remains fully committed to the NATO alliance.
Rutte states that Europe must indeed take more responsibility for its own security, including higher defense spending. At the same time, he emphasizes that this must happen within the transatlantic framework. According to him, increased European engagement should not be seen as a departure from cooperation with the United States.
His remarks are in response to voices within Europe advocating for greater strategic autonomy. Some European politicians question whether Europe can still rely on the United States and advocate for European troops to operate under their own flag. Rutte warns that such an approach would undermine NATO.