Zelensky Discusses Ukraine's Plan to End War; Lavrov Warns of World War III

Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated that the war with Russia will ultimately end through negotiations, but Kyiv must maintain a strong position. He intends to present a plan to Joe Biden, the President of the United States, and two potential successors. The Ukrainian leader, speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, September 6, mentioned that the recent advance of the Ukrainian army in the Kursk region of Russia over the past three weeks is part of this plan, which will also include economic and diplomatic actions. He told reporters in Kyiv, "The important point of this plan is that Russia must be forced to end the war. We are seeking such an outcome, and it would also be fair for Ukraine." Zelensky did not provide further details about Ukraine's next steps but mentioned that he would discuss this plan with Kamala Harris, the U.S. Vice President and Democratic candidate in the upcoming November 5 elections, and possibly with Donald Trump, the Republican candidate in the upcoming U.S. elections. The Ukrainian President expressed hope to visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September and to meet with Joe Biden during that trip. Zelensky's remarks indicated that he views the UN General Assembly as an opportunity to follow up on the results of the international peace conference held in Switzerland in June. Biden condemned Russia's extensive attacks on Ukraine, which continued for the second day. The first international peace conference in Kyiv, held in Switzerland, took place without a representative from Russia, the main party in the Ukraine war. China, the world's second-largest economy, also did not attend the conference despite Kyiv's request. Sergey Lavrov, the Russian Foreign Minister, stated after the Ukrainian army's incursion into Russian territory and the Kursk region last week that negotiations are no longer on the agenda. Lavrov also warned on Tuesday, September 6, regarding the operations of the Ukrainian army in Russian territory, stating that Western countries are playing with fire by encouraging Kyiv to take such actions and warned the United States that World War III would not be limited to Europe. This diplomat, who has been at the helm of Russia's foreign policy for over 20 years, claimed that the West seeks to escalate the Ukraine war and is "looking for trouble" by giving the green light to Ukraine to use foreign military weapons. The Russian Foreign Minister told reporters in Moscow, "They are like little children playing with matches, and we once again emphasize that playing with fire is very dangerous for these adult-like children who have been entrusted with nuclear weapons in this or that Western country." Lavrov added, "Americans have explicitly stated in their discussions that World War III, God forbid, would only be limited to Europe." He then warned that Russia clearly explains its nuclear doctrine. The 2020 Russian nuclear doctrine determines when the President of the country may deem the use of nuclear weapons permissible, which is when Russia is attacked using nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction or "when the existence of the country is threatened." Zelensky stated that the aim of the attack on Kursk was to "create a buffer zone" at the Russian border.