Volodimir Zelenskyy made a stop in Halifax on his way to his decisive meeting on Sunday in Florida with Donald Trump, to meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and to hold a video conference with European leaders on the peace plan for Ukraine, which in his opinion is "90% ready," pending key points such as territorial concessions and security guarantees.
"We have the possibility of a fair and lasting peace, but that requires Russia to be willing to cooperate," Carney declared in a joint appearance with Zelenski after condemning "the barbarity of Russian attacks in Kiev". The Canadian Prime Minister has committed to providing $2.5 billion in a new economic aid package to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy, on his part, warned that Russia's response to Ukraine's efforts "has shown that Putin does not really want peace." In his opinion, two requirements are essential to end the war: "increasing pressure on Russia and firm and sufficient support for Ukraine."
The Ukrainian President then met with European leaders before heading back to Florida, where he said he expects to have "a very important and constructive meeting" with Donald Trump this Sunday. From that video conference, the words of the French President, Emmanuel Macron, have emerged, stating that these bombings show "Russia's determination to continue the war."
Zelenskyy had previously harshly criticized Putin's attitude and his inner circle following the recent attacks that resulted in at least two deaths and dozens of injuries, leaving a third of the population in the Ukrainian capital without electricity. "Against President Trump's expectations and despite our willingness to make concessions, Russia has once again brutally attacked residential districts in Kiev," Zelenski warned.
The Ukrainian President had to deal with a new internal scandal on the fly: the anti-corruption agency (NABU) announced on Saturday the opening of an investigation affecting "numerous deputies" for accepting bribes in exchange for their votes in Parliament. The news came a month after the resignation of the President's Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, due to another notorious case of embezzlement of nearly $100 million from the energy sector.
There is something Putin does not lie about: Russia is indeed prepared for war against Europe
Zelenskyy presents his version of the peace plan with concessions and Russia already leaks that it will not accept it
Zelenskyy?s stop in Halifax and his call with European leaders was decided almost on the fly after several phone exchanges on Friday. Mark Carney offered to host the temporary summit as a member of the volunteer coalition that brings together 35 countries and has its operational center on the outskirts of Paris.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, French President, Emmanuel Macron, premierKeir Starmer, German Chancellor, Friedrich Merz, Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and Polish Prime Minister, Donald Tusk, were some of the leaders who announced their participation in the video conference.
The purpose of the meeting, according to Zelenski himself, was to determine "a common line of European leaders" for his meeting with Donald Trump. "Our task will be to ensure that everything is 100% ready," Zelenskyy emphasized, despite reservations expressed due to the recent Russian attacks on Kiev.
"We appreciate all efforts that contribute to our common goal: a lasting and fair peace that preserves the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Ursula von der Leyen declared, highlighting the unity shown by European leaders in support of Zelenskyy.
According to the Ukrainian Air Force, the capital was attacked with 519 drones and 40 missiles, of which 479 drones and 29 missiles were shot down, respectively. The attacks caused a spectacular fire that affected 2,600 buildings and left 600,000 homes without electricity.
Against the backdrop of the recent attacks, Ukrainian authorities made public the conclusions of an investigation that uncovered "the existence of an organized criminal group formed by deputies who systematically received illegal benefits for voting in Parliament," according to a statement from NABU disseminated via Telegram.
The anti-corruption agency also denounced how security forces prevented searches of parliamentary committee offices, "which constitutes a direct violation of the law." Corruption cases since the start of the war have tarnished President Zelenskyy?s reputation, who claims to have already begun preparations for holding elections in the country, as requested by President Trump as part of the peace plan.
A working group composed of representatives from all parties has already held an initial meeting to discuss the organization and security preparations for elections that would likely be held in two rounds, with Zelenskyy likely facing former General Valeri Zaluzhni or former head of military intelligence Kirilo Budanov.
The elections could be held concurrently with a referendum on the 20-point peace plan that Zelenskyy will finalize in his meeting with Trump in Florida. "[Zelenski] has nothing until I approve it," was the warning issued by the American President in an interview with the digital newspaper Politico.