Kyiv, 1 January. On the eve of the New Year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed the nation, stating that Ukraine desires an end to the war but will not accept any peace deal that weakens the country’s future.
Zelensky’s remarks come at a time when Russian President Vladimir Putin reiterated his confidence in Russia’s eventual victory in the ongoing conflict.
In a nearly 21-minute televised address, Zelensky acknowledged the fatigue among Ukrainians after nearly four years of war, a duration longer than many World War II occupations of Ukrainian cities by Germany. However, he made it clear that this weariness does not mean surrender.
He said, “Ukraine wants peace, but not at any cost. We want the end of the war, not the end of Ukraine. Anyone who thinks Ukraine will surrender out of exhaustion is completely wrong.”
The Ukrainian President warned that any agreement lacking strong and reliable security guarantees would only prolong the war rather than bring peace. “Signing weak agreements will fuel the conflict, and I will sign only strong agreements,” he added.
Zelensky explained that current diplomatic efforts focus on establishing a lasting and firm peace agreement. “Every meeting, every phone call, and every decision is aimed at achieving a peace that will endure,” he said.
He further revealed that talks led by the United States are in their final stages. “The peace agreement is 90 percent ready. The remaining 10 percent holds everything—the fate of peace, Ukraine, and Europe. However, unresolved regional issues remain the main obstacle to the final deal,” Zelensky acknowledged.
According to Ukrainian media, Russia currently occupies around 19 percent of Ukraine’s territory, mostly in the south and east. Russia demands Ukraine’s complete withdrawal from the eastern Donbas region, a demand Zelensky rejected, calling it deceptive.
Meanwhile, Russian President Putin, addressing his soldiers on New Year’s, expressed full confidence in victory. He praised the troops fighting on the frontlines as heroes and said Russia trusts its fighters and commanders to ultimately win the conflict.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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