Zelenskyy gathers support from CEE leaders

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called on European leaders to step up their efforts towards peace in Ukraine during a string of high-level phone calls on Friday, 21 February, including several with premiers of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) countries.

Zelenskyy stressed that Europe must act more decisively, in a televised address broadcast after he had held discussions with premiers from Czechia, Poland, Slovenia and Croatia. “We must and can do much more to ensure that peace is actually achieved,” Zelenskyy said, outlining a series of clear proposals he believes can end the war with Russia. He argued that Ukraine and its European partners have the means to forge a comprehensive strategy for peace and that such an effort must include close coordination with the US.

Zelenskyy’s diplomatic push comes amid a broader effort to rally international support as talks between Russia and Western leaders loom. His call for more robust action from Europe underscores the urgency of the situation, as Ukraine continues to navigate a complex web of security challenges.

Polish president says communication with US paramount

Zelenskyy wrote on Facebook: “Today, I spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda. The stronger Ukraine’s sovereignty, the safer Poland is.”

Later in the day Duda wrote: “A few minutes ago, President Zelenskyy called me. We had a candid conversation on the heels of the recent meetings with General Kellogg and other developments. I conveyed to him that we consistently believe there is no other way to stop the bloodshed and achieve lasting peace in Ukraine except with the support of the US.

“For this reason, I suggested to President Zelenskyy to remain committed to the course of calm and constructive cooperation with (US President) Donald Trump. I trust that good will and honesty form the foundation of the US negotiation strategy. I have no doubt that President Trump is guided by a deep sense of responsibility for global stability and peace,” Duda added.

Croatian PM: Ukraine, EU positions must be ‘respected, represented’ in talks

Zelenskyy added that “I spoke with the Prime Minister of Croatia. We do a lot together with Croatia, and we exchanged views on our next steps and upcoming events. After his phone call with Zelenskyy to discuss the security situation in Ukraine and ongoing peace initiatives, Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic tweeted: “We are committed to achieving peace, but a just peace that will ensure sovereignty of Ukraine and reintegration of the occupied territories”, adding that Ukraine’s and the EU’s positions must be “respected and represented in the negotiations.”

Plenkovic added that he would participate via video link at a summit organised by Zelenskyy on 24 February, the third anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine war. “This year we will also support the adoption of a new UN resolution,” he added. Zelenskyy thanked Croatia for its continued support, including a recent military aid package, adding that “We appreciate Croatia’s firm position that a ceasefire is impossible without clear security guarantees.”

‘We must not give up’ – Czech president

The Ukrainian leader wrote that his “next conversation was with the Czech president (Petr Pavel) and we highly value Czechia’s principled stance”. Pavel, who served as of the NATO Military Committee chair from 2015-18, said in a speech that “after three years of Russian aggression towards Ukraine, we feel increasingly tired of war in society. It’s understandable. Yet, right now, when the goal line in the form of peace talks may be approaching, we must not give up and take a foot off the gas in our support of the attacked country.

“These days, we must appeal even louder for the necessity of just peace for Ukraine. If Russia were to be rewarded, challenging the principles of international law, we would endanger ourselves and our own safety. History has shown us many times, that the aggressor must not retreat. Thank you all who persisted in your support despite various pressures,” Pavel added

Slovenia demonstrated ‘clear understanding’ of peace deal – Zelenskyy

On his call to Slovenia, Zelenskyy wrote: “the prime minister and I had a very good conversation, and it is essential that every nation in the world and on our continent is heard. I thank everyone for their support!” he concluded. After the call, Zelenskyy wrote in a post then retweeted by the Slovenian government that “I spoke with Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob and thanked Slovenia for providing 14 defence aid packages to Ukraine.

“The Ukrainian people deeply appreciate this steadfast support from the Slovenian nation. We discussed bilateral relations, upcoming plans, and joint steps, as well as exchanged views on ending the war and security guarantees. Swift and united action is key to achieving a just and lasting peace.

“Slovenia has demonstrated a clear understanding and readiness on this matter. I also told the prime minister about our new initiative, ‘Food from Ukraine’, aimed at providing food aid to the people of Syria, and invited Slovenia to join the effort,” Zelenskyy added.

Zelenskyy calls Trump’s USD 500bn demand ‘unrealistic’

Behind this manouevring, is Ukraine’s ongoing negotiations with the US. Zelenskyy has pushed back against the superpower’s demands for access to Ukraine’s rich natural resources, including minerals and energy, as part of the proposed deal in exchange for continued financial and military support, which would require Ukraine to repay USD 500bn using profits from its mineral and natural resource extraction, a sum Zelenskyy considers unrealistic.

Zelenskyy emphasised that a united transatlantic approach is key. “On this basis we can ensure the implementation of a European strategy, and it is important that this is done together with America,” he said, referring to the role of the US in supporting Ukraine’s security and sovereignty.

The president also touched on recent tensions with the US. After being branded a dictator by Trump over Ukraine’s reluctance to sign the proposed deal, Zelenskyy maintained that any agreement must be fair and beneficial. “This is an agreement that can add value to our relationship, and the main thing is to work out the details so that it can work,” he stressed.

Despite intense pressure from the US, and the rejection of several draft agreements, Zelenskyy has firmly stated that he will not sign any deal that would saddle future generations with an unpayable debt, but has also conceded that Ukraine may have little choice but to comply.

Zelenskyy also held phone conversations with the premiers of Germany, Sweden, Luxembourg and the Ivory Coast on Friday.