Ukraine demonstrated in March 2025, during multiple rounds of negotiations in Saudi Arabia, that it is not an obstacle to peace. On the contrary, Ukraine is committed to making every serious effort to end the war and restore a just peace.

On March 11th, Ukraine supported the United States’ proposal for a full 30-day interim ceasefire with no additional conditions. Ukraine’s acceptance of the ceasefire showed its willingness to stop fighting immediately and begin peace talks. Death and destruction could already be halted. All that was required was for Russia to accept the proposal as well, without adding any further conditions, just as Ukraine did.

However, instead of reciprocating, Moscow introduced new manipulations and conditions. This clearly indicates that Ukraine is committed to peace and is taking significant steps toward achieving it, while Moscow wants to continue the war and is stalling. Russia’s refusal to support American peace efforts demonstrates that Russia has been, and remains, the sole instigator of this war.

In recent weeks, Russian attacks on Ukrainian cities have escalated, despite international efforts to establish a ceasefire. Russia has not only rejected the proposal for a full 30-day ceasefire but has also intensified its assaults, particularly through massive drone attacks. These attacks have caused significant civilian casualties, including deaths among children, women, and the elderly.

On March 29, a Russian drone strike on Dnipro killed four people and injured 21, causing widespread destruction and fires in residential areas and a hotel complex. Earlier in March, a drone attack on Kyiv killed at least three civilians, including a five-year-old child and her father. In the Donetsk region, four people were killed in drone attacks.

On April 4, 2025, Russia launched a ballistic missile attack on Kryvyi Rih. The strike targeted a residential area, resulting in significant casualties and damage. The attack killed at least 19 people, including nine children, and left more than 70 others injured, including a three-month-old baby.

Ukraine has continued to adopt a constructive approach in recent weeks, agreeing to partial ceasefires, including those for strikes on energy infrastructure, and a naval ceasefire in the Black Sea. However, Russia has continued to damage Ukraine’s energy system, with attacks on Kherson, Poltava, and Kharkiv.

Despite Russia’s deliberate obstruction of peace efforts, Ukraine will continue to engage constructively with the American side in the coming days and weeks to support President Trump’s efforts toward achieving peace.

However, the Kremlin has taken an unconstructive stance. Russian President Putin proposed a transitional UN administration for Ukraine, an absurd statement intended to delay and disrupt the peace process currently underway under President Trump’s leadership. This suggestion highlights the Kremlin’s unwillingness to end the war or engage in meaningful dialogue.

The legitimacy and legality of Ukraine’s government, including its president and all branches of executive and legislative authorities, are firmly grounded in the Ukrainian Constitution and laws, reflecting the will of the Ukrainian people. While Putin seeks to undermine Ukraine’s leadership with baseless excuses, the true nature of his regime is evident.

We can clearly see Russia’s strategy and will never accept anything that leaves Ukraine weak or defenseless. On the contrary, a genuine and fair peace requires strong, long-term security guarantees to preserve it.

The security of Ukraine and Europe is indivisible. Ukraine defends not only itself but also European peace and security, stability, and the normal way of life for every European family. Russian aggression poses an existential threat to all of Europe, not just Ukraine. Therefore, it is in the best interest of Europe to support Ukraine, regardless of any other developments.

It is evident that Europe has significantly ramped up its support, not only in words but also in actions. We are grateful to our European partners for recognizing that we are defending our shared future, security, and fundamental principles.

Russian propaganda tries to create the impression that supporting Ukraine is a burden on European countries. In reality, it is economically beneficial. Ukraine is vital for ensuring the food, energy, and technological security of the European Union, as well as the overall defense of Europe.

Ukraine is already integrating into the European economy, opening new markets and opportunities for EU nations. Once the war is over, Ukraine will be a strong economic partner in Europe, contributing to growth and security, defense, technological advancement, and the green transition. Supporting Ukraine is far less expensive than the potential consequences of new Russian aggression against other European countries.

An important goal is to increase Europe’s defense self-sufficiency by cooperating with and investing in the Ukrainian military-industrial complex. By producing cutting-edge equipment, Ukraine will significantly strengthen Europe’s security. Increased investment in Ukrainian arms production benefits European security as a whole.

As the great philosopher Confucius once said, “We have two lives, and the second begins when we realize we only have one.”

Today, Ukraine and Europe have a chance to stop Russia’s murderous actions in Ukraine. If we fail to do so, we risk losing our future and the future of our children.

Now is the time to accelerate all efforts and turn all initiatives into practical steps.