Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, has urgently called upon Western allies to take decisive actions to conclude the ongoing conflict with Russia this autumn. Speaking at a pivotal meeting of the contact group on Ukraine at the Ramstein military base in Germany, Zelensky emphasized the necessity for a credible international security order while advocating for enhanced air defenses and the use of long-range weapons against Russian targets.
Zelensky's visit marks his first in-person attendance at such a meeting, where he is set to engage with key figures including US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The urgency of the situation is underscored by the ongoing military operations from Russia, as indicated by Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, who reiterated that the special military operation will continue until Russia achieves its objectives.
Amidst calls for a second peace summit involving Russian representatives, Zelensky acknowledged the complexity of achieving diplomatic solutions without their participation. This sentiment reflects a broader frustration with the stalled negotiations, especially after Russia's peace proposals were dismissed by Kyiv and its allies. As tensions remain high, both sides continue to navigate the challenging landscape of international relations and military strategy.
