Zelensky Says Ukraine Must Make Every Effort to End War Diplomatically by Next Year

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasised the need for Ukraine to work toward ending its war with Russia through diplomatic efforts, aiming for a resolution in the coming year.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and President-elect Donald Trump at a meeting on Sept. 27, 2024, in New York City. Getty Images

Speaking in a radio interview aired Saturday, Zelensky acknowledged the challenging situation on the battlefield in eastern Ukraine, where Russian forces have been making advances.

Zelensky expressed doubts about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s willingness to pursue peace, noting that efforts to reach a diplomatic solution remain hindered by a lack of interest from Moscow. “From our side, we must do everything so that this war ends next year, ends through diplomatic means,” he stated.

The Ukrainian president also addressed the possibility of engaging with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, stating that American legislation prevents a meeting before Trump’s inauguration in January. Zelensky stressed that he would engage directly with Trump rather than intermediaries or advisors.

Gutted Russian military vehicles sit on a road just outside of Kyiv, Ukraine, in March 2022. AP

“I, as the president of Ukraine, will only take seriously a conversation with the president of the United States of America, with all due respect to any entourage, to any people,” he said.

The comments come as Ukraine faces mounting challenges on the front lines while continuing its international outreach to garner support for its resistance against Russian aggression. Despite the problematic battlefield dynamics, Zelensky remains committed to exploring avenues for a peaceful resolution.