Official statements from the Ukrainian government or international news coverage

Zelensky Rejects Putin's Surrender Demands, Aims for Diplomatic War End by 2025, Open to Talks with Trump

Nov 16, 2024, 09:03 AM

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed determination to end the war with Russia through diplomatic means by 2025. In a radio interview, he emphasized that negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin would be unproductive, stating that "just negotiations for the sake of negotiations will not lead to anything" and that Putin "wants to negotiate Ukraine's surrender, but it won't happen. We will not allow it." Zelensky indicated openness to engaging in serious negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump, asserting, "I will only take negotiations with Trump seriously, not his advisers. This is the level of presidents." However, he noted that "Trump does not say, 'I will become the president and sit down at the negotiating table.'" Zelensky believes that Trump's approach could potentially end the war sooner, emphasizing Ukraine's need for strong positions and not being alone in talks with Russia. He reiterated that any diplomatic efforts must ensure Ukraine's strength and independence, and that the war should conclude diplomatically next year.