ISTANBUL
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday addressed a gathering of his country’s diplomats in the capital Kyiv, saying that they must do everything to make next year “the year of a just peace” for Ukraine.
“We need a just peace, and each and every one of you must work toward this goal … The coming year will be decisive in terms of this very mission. We must do everything to make 2025 the year of a just peace for Ukraine,” Zelenskyy said during a speech on the occasion of the country’s Diplomat Day.
Expressing that many changes will occur in international affairs following US President-elect Donald J. Trump’s inauguration in January, Zelenskyy noted that elections will also be held in “several key countries” such as Germany and Poland.
Zelenskyy argued the balance of power in many regions such as the Middle East, the Gulf, North Africa, the Sahel, and Latin America is constantly changing, and that it is crucial to advance Ukraine’s interests in relations with China, India, and other Asian countries, as well as deepen ties with Japan and South Korea.
The Ukrainian president went on to outline his country’s membership in the EU and NATO as key priorities for the coming year, noting that he expects “further substantial progress” with regard to Kyiv’s cooperation with the latter.
“Partners need to understand what Ukraine can offer the Alliance, why this will benefit everyone, and how it will stabilize global relations. Alliance for Ukraine is achievable, but only if we fight for this decision at every necessary level,” Zelenskyy added.
He said that sanctions against Moscow must remain implemented for “as long as we need to maintain pressure on Russia.”
