Zelenskyy told when martial law will be lifted, when the elections will be held, and what the “red lines” are in the negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy spoke during a briefing about the possible lifting of martial law, holding elections, and key principles of negotiations to end the war. According to him, the main focus now is on establishing a regime of silence and developing a step-by-step plan to end the war.
When will martial law be lifted and elections held?
The head of state was asked whether he was ready to lift martial law during the ceasefire and hold elections. To this, Zelensky noted that today everyone should focus on the first steps to introduce a regime of silence.
– Are we ready for a ceasefire or for silence? We specifically did this and said “yes”. And the question is: will the Russian side be ready for this? Second: are our partners ready for technical monitoring? – Zelenskyy noted.
The President added that this is a very important aspect.
– I frankly said that I believe that silence in the sky and at sea is clear for us to monitor. But if it is silence everywhere, understanding who we are dealing with and having the experience of past years, then technical assistance is needed here. Partners assure us of this. And the parties talked about this. This is very important, – Zelenskyy stated.
He explained that after such a step, the American proposal that was on the agenda of the talks in Saudi Arabia, namely a 30-day period of silence, could be used, and to prepare a full plan for the end of the war. This is a step-by-step plan with security guarantees for Ukraine.
“If all this is done, then after the preparation of this plan, in any case, phased implementation will lead to the end of the war. After the end of the war, martial law will be lifted, and after the lifting of martial law, elections will be held in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. No one will postpone anything on purpose,” Zelensky emphasized.
Red lines in negotiations
Ukraine will not recognize the occupied territories as part of Russia. This is a “red line” in the negotiations for Ukraine.
– Regarding the red lines. I, as the president, and the Ukrainians, as citizens of their country, will not violate their constitution, but will defend our sovereignty and our independence, protecting our people and our land. It is very difficult for us to fight against such an enemy. This is understandable, – said the president.
Zelensky added that Ukraine is fighting for independence, so it will not recognize any territories occupied by Russia.
“Our people fought for this, our heroes died. How many were wounded, how much has happened. Therefore, no one will forget about this. When I say that no one will forget, this is the most important red line. We will not let anyone forget about this crime against Ukraine,” the head of state said.
Recall, on February 18, the US and Russian delegations held a meeting in Saudi Arabia. Then the negotiations between Ukraine and the US also took place there. As a result of the meeting, the US resumed the supply of military aid to Ukraine and access to intelligence. The US also proposed a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine supported the proposal, and the Russian Federation's decision is expected.
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