President Zelensky called for peace talks, no general mobilization and a tax holiday, after Russia recognized Donbass republics
Kiev is open to bilateral and multilateral talks to resolve the current crisis, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said, announcing a set of measures to respond to Russia’s recognition of two breakaway Donbass republics. The Ukrainian leader noted that he would hold off on general mobilization for now.
“For us, there is no alternative to ending the war,” Zelensky said in a televised address on Tuesday evening. “I am ready to do this either in a bilateral format or with the participation of other leaders.”
An initiative already underway would involve permanent members of the UN Security Council – including Russia – as well as Turkey and Germany, the Ukrainian president noted.
“Today there is no need for general mobilization,” Zelensky said addressing the topic of defense and security. Instead, he has ordered the call-up of the operational reserve, for a limited time period, in order to increase the readiness of the Ukrainian army. Exercises of the “territorial defense” forces will also take place sometime in the near future.
To support the military, Ukraine needs a strong economy, Zelensky argued, announcing “a program of economic patriotism.” The idea is to encourage manufacturing and other industries to stay in Ukrainian territory through reducing taxes and scaling back inspections. To reduce the price of gas at the pump, Kiev will lower the fuel tax.
“Our goal is to gain economic independence, especially in energy,” the president said.
To further economic independence, Zelensky said he would meet on Wednesday with representatives of Ukraine’s top 50 corporations, who he said “must remain” on the territory protected by the Ukrainian military.