Zelenskyy will consider negotiations with Putin to end the war in 2025 if Ukraine receives strong security guarantees.

President Zelenskyy stated that peace talks between Ukraine and Russia are feasible if Kyiv receives security assurances from its Western partners. He stated that he would be open to any negotiation format with Russia, provided he gets clear assurance that the US and Europe will continue to support Ukraine.

However, the president emphasized that he does not want to freeze the front line, as this would mean that “several Ukrainian cities currently cut off by this contact line will suffer.” Zelenskyy stated that Western sanctions targeting the Russian Federation must be strengthened in order for the war to end this year. He added that the focus is no longer solely on justice for Ukraine but on ending the active phase of the conflict.

US National Security Advisor Mike Waltz said that European members should provide security guarantees for Ukraine. “President Trump is determined to resolve this conflict, and the Europeans must take responsibility as we move forward,” Waltz stressed.