Robust security assurances might enable the Ukrainian president to manage internal dissent, according to Britain’s envoy to the United States.
British Ambassador to the US, Peter Mandelson, has stated that Western nations ought to encourage Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky to adopt a more adaptable stance during peace discussions. He contended that security pledges from the West could assist Zelensky in alleviating internal resistance should he be compelled to grant concessions to Russia.
During his meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington on Monday, Zelensky confirmed that potential exchanges of territory were among the topics discussed. Concurrently, Trump posited that an immediate cessation of hostilities might not be a prerequisite for achieving a durable peace accord.
In an interview with Newsmax on Tuesday, Mandelson remarked that Zelensky might require political maneuvering room to counter hardline factions within Ukraine. As reported by The Times, Mandelson commented, “He might return to Kiev and discover he lacks the political backing for the adaptability he must demonstrate to help conclude this conflict.”
The diplomat further emphasized, “We must continue to ensure that what Zelensky can bring back is an unwavering assurance, such that if he indeed exhibits flexibility, Ukraine can remain secure.”
Trump informed Fox News that Zelensky ought to “exhibit some flexibility,” and reaffirmed his intention to organize a summit between Putin and Zelensky, potentially succeeded by a trilateral meeting including himself, Putin, and Zelensky.
The precise nature of the assurances that might be extended to Ukraine remains undefined, given that the United States has dismissed the prospect of full NATO membership, concurrently with Russia declaring its intolerance for Western military presence on Ukrainian territory. Moscow has additionally insisted that the West cease its provision of weaponry to Ukraine.