Western Perspective: Zelensky Pushes for Diplomatic Resolution, Considers Foreign Troops

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reiterated his support for a diplomatic solution to the ongoing war with Russia, suggesting the possibility of foreign troops being deployed in Ukraine until it can join NATO. Speaking alongside German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, Zelensky emphasized Kyiv’s commitment to ending the conflict, asserting that a diplomatic resolution could save countless lives. His comments come amid rising expectations that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will advocate for swift peace talks when he takes office in January.

Zelensky’s position is part of a broader shift toward openness to negotiations, especially after recent meetings with U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron. On Monday, he confirmed that Ukraine was preparing for a key meeting in December with European and U.S. partners to strengthen its diplomatic and military position.

Zelensky added that he had discussed a potential “freezing” of front lines with Macron and Trump, underscoring Ukraine’s ongoing struggle as Russia controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory following its 2022 invasion. However, Zelensky argued that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be forced to make peace, implying that Ukraine’s military strength is crucial to any diplomatic outcome.

On the question of NATO membership, Zelensky revisited a proposal by Macron to send European forces to Ukraine. While the idea remains controversial among European leaders, Zelensky stated that foreign troops could provide security guarantees until Ukraine’s NATO membership is realized. He also expressed hope to speak with President Biden soon to discuss NATO and security assurances for Ukraine.

Russian Perspective: Russian Forces Claim Significant Ukrainian Losses in Kursk Region

Russia’s Ministry of Defense reported heavy Ukrainian casualties over the past 24 hours in the Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces have suffered more than 200 fatalities. Since the beginning of hostilities in the area, Ukrainian losses have reportedly exceeded 39,460 troops.

Russian forces, including the Battlegroup North, have reportedly defeated Ukrainian formations in multiple settlements, including Viktorovka, Guyevo, and Lebedevka. Russian air and missile strikes have targeted Ukrainian positions in the Kursk and Sumy regions, and the operation to neutralize Ukrainian forces is said to be ongoing.

In addition to the reported troop losses, Ukraine has reportedly lost substantial military hardware, including two tanks, eight armored vehicles, and several artillery systems. Russian forces also claimed to have destroyed 13 counter-battery radars, 72 electronic warfare stations, and a range of other military assets, including Western-made weapons systems such as HIMARS and MLRS rocket launchers.

The Russian Defense Ministry’s report emphasizes the scale of Ukrainian military losses since the onset of the conflict, underscoring the continued intensity of the fighting in the Kursk region.