Zelensky Seeks Lasting Peace in Wake of Trump Meeting
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared on Sunday that a “lasting peace” is what he seeks for his nation, a peace that Russia will not be able to dismantle in a few years. His statement follows a meeting the day before with former U.S. president Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris.
Zelensky unveiled this vision for peace, stating that it must not be one that Russia can easily undo, referencing past actions by Russia as supporting this need for enduring guarantees.
The Ukrainian leader shared grim figures representing the human cost of the ongoing war: 43,000 Ukrainian soldiers have been killed since the Russian invasion began, with an additional 370,000 wounded. These figures, he stated, confirm an approximate total of 400,000 casualties, a number
previously revealed by Trump. Zelensky had only publicly disclosed the army’s official losses once before, in February 2024.
Russia, for its part, does not officially disclose its own military casualty numbers, relying on the work of independent media outlets like Mediazona and the BBC’s Russian service to estimate the toll. They calculate that over 82,000 Russian soldiers have been killed, using a variety of public information sources such as press releases, obituaries, social media posts, and observations of cemetery burials.
“This is the reality of this war,” Zelensky stated. “It cannot end simply with a piece of paper and a few signatures.” He emphasized the need to “ensure the reliability of peace and not turn a blind eye to the occupation” of Ukrainian territory.
Zelensky’s stance on negotiating with Russia has shifted in recent months, moving away from his earlier staunch aversion to any compromise with Vladimir Putin. This shift is likely related to the challenges faced by Ukrainian troops on the frontlines.
During his Paris meeting ————- with Trump and Macron, Zelensky said he discussed “important issues related to the battlefield and the global situation.”
The three leaders’ deliberations reflect the ongoing international efforts to navigate the complex dimensions of the war in Ukraine, balancing the need for a lasting peace with the realities of a protracted conflict.
How does Zelensky’s emphasis on Ukraine’s own strength, encompassing both economic development and military capabilities, contribute to achieving and maintaining this desired “lasting peace”?
## Seeking Lasting Peace: An Interview with Alex Reed, Ukraine Expert
**Interviewer:** Following a meeting with former President Trump and French President Macron in Paris, Ukrainian President Zelensky has declared his desire for a “lasting peace” for his nation, one that cannot be easily undone by Russia. [Alex Reed name], you’re an expert on Ukraine and Russian relations. Can you shed some light on what this statement means in the context of the ongoing conflict?
**Alex Reed:** Certainly. Zelensky’s emphasis on a “lasting peace” signifies a departure from previous peace proposals that might have been seen as temporary ceasefires or agreements susceptible to Russian aggression. This highlights the deep mistrust that has developed between Ukraine and Russia following years of conflict, culminating in the full-scale invasion in 2022.
Zelensky is essentially saying that any peace agreement must address the root causes of this conflict and establish strong safeguards to prevent Russia from simply restarting hostilities down the line.
**Interviewer:** Zelensky also mentioned the importance of Ukraine’s own strength and economic potential as pillars for lasting peace. How does this tie into the broader picture?
**Alex Reed:** This is crucial. Zelensky recognizes that a sustainable peace cannot solely rely on external guarantees. Ukraine needs to build a resilient and prosperous nation, capable of deterring future aggression through both military and economic strength. By focusing on growing its economy and investing in its military capabilities, Ukraine aims to become a less attractive target for Russian expansionism. The meeting with Trump and Macron likely focused on securing concrete support for these long-term goals. [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/10/16/europe/zelensky-ukraine-victory-plan/index.html)]
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing war and the complexities involved, how realistic is the prospect of achieving this “lasting peace” in the near future?
**Alex Reed:** It’s undeniably a complex and challenging goal. There are significant hurdles to overcome, including deep divisions between Russia and the West, unresolved territorial disputes, and the monumental task of rebuilding Ukraine after the devastation of war. However, Zelensky’s commitment to a lasting solution, coupled with international support, provides a glimmer of hope.
The meeting in Paris suggests a renewed focus on diplomacy and finding a pathway to a just and sustainable peace.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for sharing your insights.
