Zelenskiy Pushes for Second International Peace Summit

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced plans for a second international peace summit to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, inviting representatives from Russia. Despite increasing tensions and ongoing battles, Ukraine is preparing for strategic diplomatic discussions on key issues like food and energy security, arms supplies, and training facilities.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Monday that he aims to have a comprehensive plan ready by November for a second international peace summit regarding Ukraine. He expressed the importance of Russian representatives' attendance. This announcement follows Ukraine's first summit in Switzerland last month, attended by 92 countries, where Russia was notably absent.

Zelenskiy, speaking at a press conference in Kyiv after his return from a NATO summit in Washington, stated, "I set a goal that in November we would have a fully ready plan." U.S. officials supported discussions on potential diplomacy, but emphasized that peace talks would be contingent upon Ukraine's readiness. The Kremlin, however, has shown hesitance towards genuine diplomatic efforts.

The initial summit tackled crucial issues from Zelenskiy's peace proposal, like food security and the release of prisoners of war. Future summits are expected to delve further into these matters with various international meetings. On the ground, Ukraine continues to face ongoing military challenges, despite receiving Western armament and anticipating further support, including F-16 fighter jets.

(With inputs from agencies.)