Ukrainian President Says Efforts To Reach Peace Should Last 'Months, Not Years'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday said that efforts to reach peace should last "months, not years."

Zelenskyy's remarks came during a joint press briefing following the end of the summit along with leaders of Canada, Chile, Ghana and the EU.

"We are at war, and we don't have time for prolonged work," he warned, underlining that preparations for the peace should take "months, not years."

He noted that the path will be open for the second peace summit for "ending this war for a just and lasting peace" when every step is worked out.

Some countries, according to the president, have already voiced their interest in hosting the second summit.

"We started talks with them. I'm confident that the choice will have truly global significance and I'm grateful for everyone who helps," Zelenskyy said.

He also said that all participants of the two-day summit supported Ukraine's territorial integrity, adding: "There will be no lasting peace without territorial integrity."

He invited all countries that recognize the binding nature of the UN Charter to be onboard with the final declaration of the Burgenstock summit.

'Russia can be part of peace efforts when ready for UN Chapter-based peace'

President of the EU Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said Russia can only be part of the peace efforts in Ukraine when it says "it is ready for peace based on the UN Charter."

She called on Moscow to "hear the message of the international community, respect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine, put an end to imperialist violence, and bring back the children."

The head of the commission criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin's peace proposal and said it was not a "peace negotiation."

Putin "is not serious about ending the war" and is insisting on "capitulation," Von der Leyen said.

"He's insisting on disarming Ukraine, leaving it vulnerable to future aggression. No country would ever accept these outrageous terms," she added.

Ursula von der Leyen also hailed the EU's efforts in supporting Ukraine, and said the "goal is a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace" which would "restore the primacy of international law and the UN Charter."

Ukraine will determine the conditions of peace, she underlined. -