Zelensky proposes three steps for peace in Ukraine

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint news conference with Greece's President following their meeting at the Mariinskiy palace in Kyiv on Nov 3, 2022. (GENYA SAVILOV / AFP)

KYIV/MOSCOW – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday proposed three steps to "accelerate the coming of peace" to Ukraine, the presidential press service reported.

In his address to the Group of Seven online summit, Zelensky said the first step entitled "new force" envisages increasing defense support for Ukraine, including tanks, rocket artillery and long-range missiles.

"It will not allow escalation from the Russian's side," Zelensky said.

The second step named "new resilience" stipulates maintaining the financial, energy and social stability of Ukraine next year by providing Kyiv with new assistance, he added.

Under the last step of "new diplomacy", Ukraine will use diplomacy to bring the liberation of its people and territories closer, Zelensky said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also proposed Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine during the Christmas holiday season and ensure a lasting cessation of hostilities

He suggested convening a Global Peace Formula Summit to discuss the 10-point plan for ending the Russia-Ukraine conflict proposed by Kyiv last month.

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Zelensky also proposed Russia withdraw its troops from Ukraine during the Christmas holiday season and ensure a lasting cessation of hostilities.

Earlier in the day, G7 leaders held virtual talks focusing on jointly addressing global challenges. The online meeting was joined by Zelensky.

Talks with Biden on defense, financial aid 

Meanwhile, Zelensky and US President Joe Biden discussed defense and financial assistance provided by the US to Kyiv, Zelensky's press service reported.

During the phone conversation on Sunday, Zelensky thanked Biden for the support, noting that it helped Ukraine to advance on the battlefield and maintain economic stability.

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In particular, Zelensky expressed his gratitude to his US counterpart for another defense aid package worth $275 million announced last Friday and the aid for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy system, which was damaged by Russian attacks.

Rescue workers clear the debris at the scene where a woman was found dead after a Russian attack that heavily damaged a school in Mykolaivka, Ukraine, Sept 28, 2022. (LEO CORREA / AP)

Zelensky expressed his gratitude to his US counterpart Joe Biden for another defense aid package worth $275 million announced last Friday and the aid for the reconstruction of Ukraine's energy system, which was damaged by Russian attacks

The Ukrainian and US leaders also discussed the ten-point formula aimed at ending the conflict, which was unveiled by Zelensky last month.

Ukraine's air defense capabilities and the protection of critical infrastructure from the attacks were other topics of the conversation.

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Norwegian surveillance aircraft detected

In another development, a Russian fighter jet was scrambled on Monday to accompany a Norwegian surveillance aircraft over the Barents Sea, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

Russian airspace control detected a target approaching the Russian state border over the Barents Sea and a MiG-31 fighter of the Russian Northern Fleet took off in response, the ministry said in a statement.

After identifying the object as a P-3C Orion maritime patrol aircraft of the Norwegian Air Force, the Russian crew escorted the plane until it flew away from the Russian state border.

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The MiG-31 then returned safely to its home airfield, the ministry said, adding that the mission was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace.