Volodymyr Zelenskyy backs freezing front line to reach ceasefire with Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that stopping the conflict along current battle lines is the most realistic path to ending the war with Russia and opening ceasefire negotiations. Euronews and Fox News both reported that Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to freeze the fighting during an interview on the Fox News program Fox and Friends on Wednesday. [1][3]

Euronews reported that Zelenskyy insisted Ukraine must be included in any peace negotiations and called for security guarantees from the United States and European allies. Meanwhile, CNBC reported that United States envoy Steve Witkoff is heading to Russia for discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin. [1][7]

The Guardian reported that Zelenskyy met with Witkoff in Norway to discuss security guarantees. Following that meeting, the Guardian reported that the United States resumed sharing intelligence on Russian missile strikes with Ukraine, after advance warnings were temporarily suspended by the White House the previous week. [2][4][5]

Russia's invasion began in February 2022. Wikipedia notes that Vladimir Putin has previously sought recognition of occupied land as Russian, guarantees that Ukraine will not join NATO, and a reduction in Ukraine's military strength. Ukraine has sought a ceasefire, a full withdrawal of Russian troops, and the return of prisoners. [11]