President: High Time to End War in Ukraine by Means of Diplomacy

Bratislava, 24 February (TASR) - It's high time that the war in Ukraine was ended through diplomatic negotiations that would lead to the establishment of a just, lasting and sustainable peace, said President Peter Pellegrini on Tuesday to mark the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the conflict. According to him, this peace should provide guarantees that fighting won't be resumed, and it should pave the way for Ukraine towards peaceful prosperity and the creation of conditions to begin EU-accession talks. "At the same time, diplomacy must also be the sole means of resolving any issues in the relationship between Slovakia and Ukraine," stated Pellegrini. The president stated that the war has brought destruction, suffering and death to hundreds of thousands of soldiers on both sides of the battle line. He noted that the war has destroyed the lives of innocent families and forced many to live abroad. He expressed appreciation for the fact that many Ukrainians have found refuge and the chance of a peaceful life in Slovakia. The war in Ukraine began on 24 February, 2022, when Russian President Vladimir Putin announced the start of a "special military operation" against Ukraine, and the war has become the biggest armed conflict in Europe since WWII. In response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the European Union, NATO, the United States and other countries imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia and began providing military, financial and humanitarian aid to Kiev. Negotiations for a ceasefire were resumed by the United States in 2025, but they haven't yet led to a cessation of fighting and attacks. Russia currently occupies almost 20 percent of Ukrainian territory and attacks cities, villages and civilian infrastructure on a daily basis, resulting in the worst energy crisis since the invasion began. ko/df