European Support Gives Zelenskyy More Confidence: Will Not Reach a Deal with Trump on Ceding Territory

As always, after being criticized by US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy went to Europe to seek support.

On December 8 local time, Zelenskyy met with British Prime Minister Starmer, French President Macron, and German Chancellor Mertz in the UK, and held phone calls with leaders of several European countries. Later that evening, Zelenskyy arrived in Brussels to meet with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and EU Commission President von der Leyen, among others, "to assess the situation."

According to CNN, after meeting with the leaders of the three European countries in London, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is unwilling to cede territory to Russia. He said that negotiations regarding the US-proposed peace plan are still ongoing, and there is no clear sign of an end to the conflict.

The report states that during his stay in London, Zelenskyy discussed sensitive issues such as Ukraine's security assurance and control over the eastern region with Starmer, Macron, and Mertz. Zelenskyy said that the display of "solidarity" by Europe and the United States is crucial for accelerating the end of the conflict.

"We absolutely do not want to give up anything, which is why we are fighting," Zelenskyy said. "According to Ukrainian law, the constitution, international law, or moral principles, we have no legal right to do so."

Regarding the progress of the negotiations, Zelenskyy said, "There has been a slight advancement in the possibility of ending the war... I believe the plan will be ready tomorrow (local time 9th). In the evening, we will discuss it again and send the relevant plan to the US."

He added that the initially proposed "28-point peace plan" by Trump was criticized for favoring Russia, and has now been reduced to 20 points, with "anti-Ukrainian content removed." However, he admitted that the US "is seeking compromise."

Zelenskyy said, "There are things we cannot handle without the US, and there are things we cannot handle without Europe. That is why we need to make some important decisions."

Starmer, Macron, and Mertz jointly stated, "We firmly support Ukraine... the fate of this country is the fate of Europe."

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1851016262645003/

Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.