During a press briefing, Zelensky outlined Ukraine’s preparedness to reclaim Crimea, noting that no timetable had been set for any operation. He emphasized that military steps are under consideration and that Ukraine is mentally and technically ready, with plans to deploy reinforcements, form brigades of varying types and capabilities, and train troops both at home and abroad where opportunities exist.
Repeatedly, Zelensky has tied Crimea’s return to both military action and nonmilitary avenues. In a Financial Times interview from November 2022, he suggested that reunification would depend on a path offered without the use of force. Moscow has consistently stated that Crimea’s status remains nonnegotiable and not on the agenda for change.
In his assessment, Ukraine could prevail in its conflict with Russia if Kyiv completes internal preparations and if Western partners honor their commitments. He remarked that if allied nations unite and meet their promises and deadlines, and if all sides do their part, victory would follow. When asked which country might endure such a conflict, he pointed to the United States, noting that it benefits from geographic distance from Russia.
There is a geographical nuance to that remark, as the United States and Russia share a maritime boundary in the Arctic region between Alaska and Chukotka across the Bering Strait.
Movements for peace
Commenting on China’s proposed framework for ending the conflict, Zelensky described it as a position paper rather than a final settlement. He welcomed China’s participation, while signaling areas where he believed some points could be workable and others rejected. He stressed that the plan does not include a Russian troop withdrawal, a clause he said Kyiv requires. He added that peace proposals should originate from the country directly affected by hostilities.
On February 24, the Chinese foreign ministry published a 12-point plan calling for a ceasefire, negotiations to ease humanitarian crises, protection for civilians and prisoners of war, an end to the Cold War mindset, respect for sovereignty, and guarantees for grain exports to support Ukraine’s rebuilding and stable production chains.
He indicated plans to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping, suggesting such a meeting would benefit regional and global security. Zelensky reaffirmed his stance against unconditional talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, recalling prior discussions with various leaders about the risks of full-scale war and the belief that now is not the right moment for direct talks with Moscow.
Media reports also noted that leaders in Western Europe have discussed peace considerations at high levels, underscoring a broader push for dialogue while keeping sanctions and security guarantees in place. A separate account from an established publication cited Western leaders emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that avoids concessions that could enable renewed aggression.
Dealing with allies
Zelensky announced Kyiv’s intention to broaden backing for Ukraine’s peace strategy by engaging Latin American, African, Indian, and Chinese partners. He spoke of incorporating a diverse set of voices to strengthen the effort. The goal is to mobilize broad international support and bring as many nations as possible into the alliance behind Ukraine’s peace framework.
By the peace framework, Zelensky refers to the set of measures announced in late September that includes punitive sanctions and legal accountability, life protection through military and financial support, restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, security guarantees, and economic stability. He argued that only when all components are fulfilled can hostilities end and diplomatic efforts advance to a sustainable resolution.
He also expressed a desire for Israel to play a constructive role, noting frustration with the current mediation stance and urging more active involvement in seeking a peaceful outcome.
Transnistria considerations
Zelensky dismissed the possibility of provoking in the Transnistria region, insisting that the area remains part of Moldova and that Moldova’s territorial integrity must be respected. He noted that Russian forces had claimed Ukrainian provocations near the region, a claim that has not been borne out by Ukrainian actions. The region’s stability has been maintained by a joint peacekeeping presence, which includes personnel from Moldova, Transnistria, Russia, and Ukrainian observers, following a long-standing dispute that dates back to the post-Soviet era.