Zelensky Open to Freezing Ukraine Front Lines for Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said October 21 that Ukraine could freeze fighting along the current front lines as a first step toward negotiations, while seeking U.S. and European security guarantees against renewed Russian aggression. In an interview, Zelensky described a ceasefire as a realistic way to begin ending the war, not a final settlement of territorial claims. He said Ukraine would ask U.S. President Donald Trump and European leaders for guarantees after fighting stopped. The terms of any such guarantees have not been announced. Zelensky also rejected ceding Donbas, saying a halt along existing positions would not mean surrendering the region. He said Ukrainians wanted the war to end but should not have to give up territory. His proposal would leave territorial issues for later negotiations rather than resolve them through a ceasefire. The remarks followed talks in Oslo on October 20 involving Zelensky, U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and European leaders. Ukraine’s presidential office said security guarantees were discussed. Finnish President Alexander Stubb said participants also considered a partial ceasefire to protect energy and food supplies. Witkoff...