by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Europe Bureau Chief
BERLIN/THE HAGUE/KYIV/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says proposals negotiated with U.S. officials on a peace deal to end Russia’s war in Ukraine could be finalized within days, after which American envoys would present them to the Kremlin. The announcement came ahead of the establishment of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine in The Hague, which will seek compensation from Russia for Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.
With fighting intensifying and Russia claiming gains on the front lines in deadly battles, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is under mounting pressure to secure a peace deal by Christmas.
In what is seen as a major announcement, Zelenskyy said the U.S. Congress is due to vote on security guarantees for his war-torn nation and that he expects a finalised set of peace documents with Russia to be prepared “today or tomorrow.”
He said that once the vote takes place, the United States would hold consultations with Russia, followed by possible high-level meetings that could begin as early as this weekend.
Zelenskyy reiterated his optimism while addressing a joint session of the Dutch parliament in The Hague on Tuesday, stressing that the talks go far beyond a temporary ceasefire.
ZELENSKYY SAYS TALKS AIMED AT LASTING PEACE
“We are now in the midst of the most intense and focused negotiations for peace since the beginning of this war — for true, lasting peace,” he said.
“We are not talking about a pause or a temporary solution. We are working closely with partners to finally end this Russian war against Ukraine and restore life in Europe,” Zelenskyy added.
The remarks followed two days of talks in Berlin over the weekend, after which U.S. officials said on Monday that 90 percent of the most difficult issues had been resolved.
Despite the optimism, it remained unclear whether an end to the war was closer, as Russia did not take part in the discussions.
The announcements came ahead of a ceremony later Tuesday in the Dutch city of The Hague, where Zelenskyy joined representatives of more than 30 countries approving the creation of the International Claims Commission for Ukraine.
CLAIMS COMMISSION SEEKS ACCOUNTABILITY FOR WAR DAMAGE
The commission will seek compensation from Russia for damage caused by its invasion, including destroyed homes, infrastructure, and other losses.
Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof said hosting the commission underscored that Russia cannot escape responsibility for the war.
“A just and lasting peace requires that Russia pays for the damage it has inflicted. And so we are here to talk about reparations,” Schoof told delegates.
Supporters of the commission say validating war damages sends a clear warning to future aggressors that wars carry consequences.
The European Union announced it would contribute about one million euros (roughly $1.1 million) toward the commission’s work. Total costs are estimated at around three-and-a-half million euros (about $4.1 million)
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