Zelenskyy ready to halt war on current front line, says Ukraine holds over 75% of its territory

The war between Russia and Ukraine has gone on for several years, and diplomatic moves to end it now appear to be gathering speed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has set out an important position on ending the war. He said he is ready to stop the war on the present front line and hold matters where they stand. In other words, he is prepared to halt the fighting wherever the front line currently runs.

In an interview to Fox News in the United States, the interviewer asked Zelenskyy directly whether he would accept a peace agreement that halts the war while preserving the current situation and leaves more than 75 per cent of Ukraine's territory under its control. Zelenskyy answered in the affirmative. He also said that stopping the war as things stand is a realistic way to end it.

Under this arrangement, Ukraine would retain at least 75 per cent or more of the country's total territory. His statement has set off fresh developments in international politics and in discussion of a possible peace agreement. The people of both countries are waiting for peace, and public pressure on both countries to stop the war completely is also visible.

Zelenskyy said both countries have suffered losses in the war so far. He also said public and private property in the country has been damaged on a large scale.

The United States is making efforts to bring peace between Russia and Ukraine, and American mediation has speeded up the peace talks. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff held talks with Zelenskyy in Oslo, Norway. He then met Russian President Vladimir Putin and presented documents related to the peace proposal. Issues such as a ceasefire, security guarantees and post-war reconstruction are proving important in these talks.

Although Zelenskyy has shown readiness to stop the war, Russia's stand is equally important if a peace agreement is to become reality. Ukraine will need firm security guarantees that Russia will not attack again in future. The final settlement on the territories not under Ukraine's control has also not yet become clear.

Readiness to stop the war on the present front line therefore does not mean giving up Ukraine's legal claim over the territories held by Russia. The international community, and the whole world, is now watching what comes out of the next round of talks between the United States, Russia and Ukraine. The world is also watching Putin's decision.