Ukrainian President Zelensky to address the European Council

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addresses the European Council today.

Zelensky’s address comes at the end of a week of rapid developments in the Russo-Ukrainian peace process. US President Trump and Russian President Putin held a lengthy call on Tuesday and came to an agreement on a partial ceasefire that would halt all attacks on energy infrastructure for thirty days. Additionally, the two leaders spoke about the possibility of a ceasefire covering the Black Sea. Trump and Zelensky held a call on Wednesday, with Zelensky agreeing to the partial ceasefire. The US and Russia are set to meet in Saudi Arabia next week to discuss the terms of a ceasefire.

Zelensky’s address today at the European Council meeting signifies the strength of the ties between Ukraine and the EU. The EU appears set on continuing its strong support of Ukraine, seeing Ukrainian strength as essential to European security. However, despite the strong bond between the EU and Ukraine, the EU has been left out of the peace process. The US has instead been the key mediator, holding bilateral talks with both Russia and Ukraine. While a partial ceasefire appears imminent, a full ceasefire and long-term peace still seem far out of reach. Ukraine remains adamant that it will not cede any of its territory, while Russia is unwilling to give back the territory it has taken. With neither side willing to make concessions on these issues, it is unclear how a long-lasting peace will survive negotiations.