Zelenskiy calls for inclusive peace talks with Russia

Despite bolstered defences, Ukraine's concerns over Russian advances underscore need for expanded military readiness

KYIV:

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has set forth plans for a second international peace summit aimed at resolving Ukraine's ongoing conflict, targeting November for its realisation. This call for inclusivity follows discussions at a NATO summit in Washington, where US officials reaffirmed support for Ukraine-led diplomatic efforts.

Zelenskiy said he aimed to have a plan ready in November to enable Kyiv to hold a second international summit on his vision of peace in Ukraine, and he said representatives of Russia should attend.

Ukraine hosted delegations from 92 countries at a first summit in Switzerland last month to advance its blueprint for peace. Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022, was not invited to the event and dismissed it as a non-starter.

"I set a goal that in November we would have a fully ready plan," Zelenskiy told a press conference in Kyiv on Monday. "I think that representatives of Russia should be at the second summit."

He made the remarks after returning from a visit to Washington for a NATO summit last week.

US officials discussed potential diplomatic negotiations with Zelenskiy during the summit, said State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, but said decisions on peace talks were Ukraine's to make.

"We've always supported diplomacy when Ukraine is ready, but it has never been clear that the Kremlin is ready for actual diplomacy," Miller said at a press briefing.

Ukrainian officials have said previously that Russian representatives could be invited to a follow-up summit.

A Russian deputy foreign minister said last week that Moscow would not attend a follow-up summit. The Kremlin has been less categorical and said there was "no precise substance" regarding the idea of a second summit.

The first summit discussed three of 10 points advanced by Ukraine as Zelenskiy's peace "formula", including food security, nuclear safety and the release of prisoners of war and children.

Ukrainian officials have said a second summit would discuss a plan devised in advance by dozens of countries divided into working groups.

Zelenskiy said officials were likely to meet in Qatar at the end of July or start of August to shape a stance on energy security. A meeting on food security was likely in Turkiye in August and another in Canada in September on POWs and children, he said.

On the battlefield, Russian forces have been edging forward in the east, exploiting an advantage in troop numbers and equipment.

Ukraine says its own defences have been bolstered by Western arms deliveries in recent months. It is also widely expected to soon receive a first batch of F-16 fighter jets from its allies.

Zelenskiy said Ukraine would receive some of the fighter jets this summer and more before the end of the year. He said he could not disclose how many there would be exactly.

"There will not be enough. They will certainly strengthen us, but will there be enough of them to fight at a level with the Russian air force? I think they will not be enough. We are anticipating a larger quantity", he told reporters.

Ukraine has said it needs at least 128 F-16s. Kyiv has also stepped up its mobilisation effort to enlist more civilians into the armed forces.