Zelenskyy urges coordinated security guarantees, says Russia must accept ceasefire

ISTANBUL

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for deeper defense cooperation and unified diplomatic efforts in his country’s fight against Russia during an address to the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) Member States Summit on Friday.

He said Russia must accept a ceasefire to begin any credible peace process.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine is prepared for a solid 30-day ceasefire and underscored the importance of international pressure on Moscow.

“There has to be a full ceasefire. And if Russia keeps dragging out the war, we’ll need stronger sanctions – especially if they break the ceasefire when it finally happens,” he said.

He confirmed continued coordination with US President Donald Trump and praised recent diplomatic engagement with Washington.

“We’re all on the same page,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that “diplomacy needs silence” for peace to take hold.

He also announced preparations for a high-level meeting with the Coalition of the Willing -- a group of countries supporting Ukraine’s security.

He stressed the importance of robust collective security guarantees and said European stability depends on mutual defense.

Zelenskyy thanked JEF countries for their support, including investments in Ukraine’s weapons production and joint efforts in training, intelligence and cyber defense.

“We need to team up like never before to protect key infrastructure -- energy, communication, transport,” he said.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine expects to receive Enhanced Partnership status within the JEF, which he described as a step toward deeper integration and lasting security.

“Our countries rely on each other – and that’s not a weakness, it’s our strength,” he added.

Delegations from 35 countries and the Council of Europe gathered in Lviv to discuss further support for Ukraine and a special tribunal to prosecute senior Russian officials for the "crime of aggression" committed against Ukraine.

The meeting coincided with Russia’s annual Victory Day military parade in Moscow, commemorating the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory in World War II.