Ukrainian President Zelensky has announced that Kyiv aims to end the war with Russia “through diplomatic means” next year, reports the national portal Adyrna citing Voice of America.
Zelensky made this statement during an interview with Ukrainian Radio. His remarks followed a statement by former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting the war could end “sooner” if he returns to power.
This announcement also came two days after Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone conversation with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. The call, initiated by Scholz, took place despite Kyiv’s objections.
“On our part, we must do everything possible next year to end the war. Through diplomatic means. This is very important,” Zelensky said in the interview.
It was noted that no significant negotiations have yet taken place between Russia and Ukraine. Trump’s recent promise to mediate a swift resolution to the conflict also drew attention.
“We need to understand what Russia really wants,” Zelensky added.
Putin has reiterated that Russia would only negotiate with Ukraine if Kyiv concedes the territories occupied by Moscow and meets additional conditions, including abandoning its plans to join NATO. The Kremlin confirmed repeating these demands during the call with Scholz.
Zelensky rejected Putin’s terms, stating that they were designed to push Ukraine toward a “capitulation agreement,” which Kyiv would never accept.
By February 2025, it will have been three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. In recent months, Russian forces have been gradually advancing on Ukrainian territory, maintaining superiority in troop numbers and weaponry.
On Saturday, Zelensky noted that Russian forces were incurring heavy losses and that their progress in some areas had slowed. However, he acknowledged that “the Russians are still exerting pressure and advancing, albeit slowly.” He emphasized that Ukraine is fighting a state that values its equipment more than its people and disregards the human cost of the war.
