On what terms can the war in Ukraine end: a diplomat outlined key points

During his visit to Germany, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that "we will not leave the war as a legacy after us." It will be ended in the interests and on the terms of our country. However, for this to happen, a concrete plan outlining Ukraine’s ultimate goal in the war is necessary.

Diplomat, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (2007-2009) Volodymyr Ohryzko told "24 Kanal" about this.

According to him, having a concrete plan to end the war will allow our country to consolidate pro-Ukrainian forces around it. For this to happen, the world must clearly understand what we are fighting for.

"We need to define for ourselves what "our victory" means and promote this concept everywhere - on a bilateral level, within international organizations and at forums. When people say "victory," each person has their own interpretation. We need to have our own definition that aligns with Ukraine’s national interests," Ohryzko emphasized.

Considering the prospects, the diplomat added, we will feel very confident. However, tactical aspects will provoke discussions because some may not like certain elements of the plan, while others may want to change it. This does not mean we should accept someone else’s position. Ukraine must be guided by its own national security interests.

He also says, that Zelenskyy's thesis about "ending the war on our terms" should be expanded. The following points should be included:

⦁ Return to the 1991 borders.

⦁ Compensation for damages caused by Russia.

⦁ Punishment of Russian war criminals.

⦁ Ukraine's accession to the European Union and NATO.

⦁ Creation of a coalition of anti-fascist forces and transformation of Russia into a country that will never again threaten Ukraine.

"There must be a clear, concrete list of items that we will need to explain to the citizens of Ukraine and our partner countries. This way, we can mobilize our foreign allies around such a plan," Ohryzko said.

He also notes that if anyone believes that peace in Ukraine means accepting Russia’s terms - such pro-Russian parties exist, in particular, in Germany - we need to be as specific as possible. General concepts, as the diplomat stressed, will lead to conflicts due to different interpretations of the term "victory."

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