Zelensky announces consultation with European partners

"We will talk about how our joint pressure and joint diplomatic work can influence the situation in real terms," Zelensky said, without giving details. He did not provide any information on the format of the consultation. As he is in Ukraine, it is likely to be a video call.

Peace efforts are on hold

Efforts to end the Russian war of aggression, which has been going on for more than four years, have been on hold in recent weeks. The USA, which does not see itself as an ally of Ukraine but as a mediator, was distracted by the war with Iran.

Kiev's European allies have so far been more involved on the sidelines. However, they are discussing which demands and which negotiators should be used to talk to Russia again about ending the war. Moscow is willing to talk, but is not backing away from its maximum war aims.

Concerns on the border with Belarus

Zelensky was in Slavutych, almost on the border with Belarus. He reportedly discussed with the leaders of the Kiev and Chernihiv regions how the border region can be better protected against possible attacks from the neighboring country. He warned that Russia wanted to draw its ally Belarus deeper into the war. Belarus had already been the target of attacks in 2022.

Belarus would only take part in this war if it was attacked itself, said ruler Alexander Lukashenko in Minsk, according to the state news agency Belta. He declared his willingness to meet with Zelensky "anywhere, in Belarus, in Ukraine" to discuss relations. The presidential office in Kiev replied that there was nothing to discuss with Lukashenko.