In a defining statement following a critical meeting with former US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly shut the door on any peace agreement that involves surrendering territory to Russia. The high-stakes talks, held at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort, set the stage for Zelensky's stark public assessment of the war's future.
No Retreat from Ukrainian Land: A Red Line for Peace
Speaking candidly to Fox News, President Zelensky drew a hard line. He emphasised that Ukraine will not agree to withdraw from any of its territories currently occupied by Russian forces as part of a potential peace deal. For Zelensky, this is not merely a legal or political issue, but a profoundly human one. He pointed out that hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian civilians continue to live in these contested regions, making their fate central to any negotiations.
Despite the deadlock on territory, the Ukrainian President revealed that diplomatic efforts have progressed significantly. He stated that peace talks are approximately 90% complete, with the status of the occupied lands remaining the single most difficult obstacle to a final agreement.
American Support: The Key to Defence and Long-Term Security
Zelensky's comments underscored Ukraine's continued and urgent dependence on Western military aid. He issued a clear warning, stating that Ukraine cannot defend its skies without American support. This admission highlights the critical role of US-provided air defence systems in protecting Ukrainian cities from relentless missile and drone attacks.
Looking beyond immediate battlefield needs, Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv is actively seeking robust, long-term security commitments from Washington. The proposal on the table is for NATO-like security guarantees spanning 15 years. This move aims to deter future Russian aggression and provide a stable security framework for Ukraine's post-war recovery, though it falls short of the immediate NATO membership Kyiv desires.
Denials and the Shadow of Escalation
The Ukrainian leader also addressed recent accusations from Moscow, forcefully rejecting Russian claims that Ukraine launched a drone attack on President Vladimir Putin's residence. Zelensky labelled these allegations a complete lie fabricated to justify further Russian strikes on Ukrainian soil.
As the conflict drags on, Zelensky acknowledged the growing weariness among the Ukrainian population. He admitted that Ukrainians deeply want peace, but he was quick to clarify the crucial distinction in their minds. The nation's desire is for a just peace, not a capitulation. The message is clear: fatigue does not equate to a willingness to accept surrender or compromise on core sovereignty.
This pivotal interview, coming on the heels of the Mar-a-Lago meeting, paints a picture of a war at a crossroads. With diplomatic channels active but stuck on the fundamental issue of land, and with Ukraine's military capabilities tied directly to sustained US assistance, the path forward remains fraught with challenge. Zelensky's words signal both a refusal to back down and a pragmatic recognition that Ukraine's fate is still inextricably linked to the political winds in Washington.
