In his New Year’s message to the nation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed a strong desire for the war to come to an end, emphasizing that he would not agree to a peace deal that he perceived as weak and likely to prolong the conflict. Zelenskyy, seated in his office against the backdrop of a festive tree, acknowledged the exhaustion felt by Ukrainians after enduring nearly four years of war, surpassing the duration of the German occupation of many Ukrainian cities during World War II. Despite the weariness, Zelenskyy emphasized that the Ukrainian people were resolute in not giving up.
Zelenskyy affirmed that while peace was the ultimate goal, it should not come at any cost. He stressed that Ukraine sought an end to the war without compromising its sovereignty and identity. He rejected the notion of surrender, asserting that any peace agreement perceived as weak would only exacerbate the conflict.
The Ukrainian President highlighted the importance of reaching a strong and lasting peace agreement, stating that his focus during discussions and decisions was on securing a sustainable peace for the nation. He emphasized the need for a peace deal that would endure for years, rather than a temporary solution.
Zelenskyy mentioned ongoing diplomatic efforts, including recent discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump, which had resulted in a peace agreement that was nearing completion. He expressed optimism that the agreement was 90% ready, with the remaining 10% crucial in determining the future of peace in Ukraine and Europe.
One of the key challenges in finalizing the peace deal revolved around the control of different parts of Ukraine’s territory. Zelenskyy rejected Russian demands for a complete withdrawal from the Donbas region, labeling them as deceptive. He criticized what he perceived as falsehoods disguised as diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of transparency in negotiations.
Additionally, Zelenskyy’s meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney in Halifax resulted in Canada pledging an additional $2.5 billion in economic aid for Ukraine. Carney expressed confidence in Zelenskyy’s leadership, highlighting the potential for a just and enduring peace under his guidance.