Ukraine does not accept a freeze in the conflict

Ukrainian officials say the country will not accept a pause in hostilities and will continue efforts to regain control of Russian-occupied territories.

"The president and his team will never agree or accept a freeze on the conflict. Ukrainian society will not accept this either," Andriy Yermak, chief of staff to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said on January 14. "What Ukraine needs is peace . We want to prevent any potential aggression in the future."

Mr. Yermak made the remarks after co-chairing the fourth meeting of national security advisers on peace in Ukraine, held in Davos, Switzerland. This year's conference was attended by 81 countries and international organizations, an increase of 15 representatives compared to the third round in Malta.

The participants discussed the remaining five points of the 10-point peace plan proposed by Mr. Zelensky in November 2022, after discussing the first five points in the third conference.

Summarizing the results of the event, Mr. Yermak said that all parties shared a common vision on the basic principles for restoring peace in Ukraine, which is to ensure the independence and territorial integrity of the country and in accordance with the UN Charter. However, he admitted that the conference was still divided on the specific ways to implement the plan.

"It is important that all participating countries want to help end the conflict and restore peace. However, there are still different opinions and views on how to do this," the Ukrainian official said.

Ukrainian forces in action in this photo posted on January 13. Photo: Ukrainian Army — Ukrainian forces in action in this photo posted on January 13. Photo: *Ukrainian Army*

Mr. Yermak also denied information that some of Ukraine's partners were pressuring Kiev to cede territory to Russia.

"Our partners know and fully respect our position. I have participated in all high-level online conferences, including meetings with the leaders of countries, but I have never heard anyone mention the concessions that we have stated we do not accept, including the issue of the Crimean peninsula," he said.

Last December, US Senator JD Vance said Russia and Ukraine needed to negotiate and accept "giving up something they don't want to give up" to end the conflict, referring to Kiev accepting the loss of territories Moscow controls in Ukraine.

Stian Jenssen, chief of staff of NATO's secretary general, also previously suggested that Ukraine should cede territory to Russia to be admitted to the alliance, but was strongly criticized by Kiev and had to apologize.

The Russia-Ukraine conflict is about to enter its third year but shows no signs of ending. During a visit to Estonia on January 12, President Zelensky said Kiev will not accept a ceasefire with Russia, as this will only create an opportunity for Moscow to accumulate weapons and attack Ukraine again later.

The situation of the Russia - Ukraine war. Graphics: RYV — The situation of the Russia - Ukraine war. Graphics: *RYV*

President Vladimir Putin said last December that Russia was ready to negotiate with Ukraine, the United States and Europe on the future of Kiev, based on Moscow’s national interests. He has previously repeatedly mentioned discussing a solution to the conflict in Ukraine, but Western officials believe the Russian leader will wait for the results of the 2024 US election before making any real negotiating efforts.

Pham Giang (According to Ukrainska Pravda, RL, Reuters )

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