Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he would rather have no peace agreement than be coerced into accepting a poor one. He emphasized that any resolution to the ongoing conflict must ensure a dignified and sustained peace, along with firm security guarantees to prevent any future Russian attacks.
In an interview featured in The Atlantic on February 12, which was directed towards an American audience and leadership, Zelensky indicated that Ukraine is not a barrier to peace. He noted that Kyiv has demonstrated its commitment to negotiating in good faith by supporting U.S. initiatives aimed at advancing talks.
"Our chosen strategy is to ensure that Americans do not believe we wish to prolong the war," Zelensky remarked. "That is why we have endorsed their proposals in various formats to expedite the process."
Additionally, Zelensky stated that he would reject any agreement that he considers humiliating or degrading to Ukraine.
Addressing the current military status, he asserted, "Ukraine is not losing," and clarified that the nation’s willingness to partake in peace discussions should not be misinterpreted as readiness to accept any deal, particularly a detrimental one.
He reaffirmed Ukraine's primary demand, which remains unchanged: security assurances from both the United States and Europe that would come into effect once a ceasefire is achieved. Without such guarantees, he expressed concern that a ceasefire would merely provide Russia with the opportunity to reorganize and launch further attacks.
Zelensky acknowledged that the progress concerning these security guarantees has been slow, citing unresolved fundamental issues and vague responses from the U.S. that he finds unacceptable. "We require comprehensive documentation on these matters," he said.
The president also touched on the topic of elections, stating, "No one is clinging to power here. I am prepared for elections, but we require security, security guarantees, and a ceasefire first."
A representative from the President's Office informed the Kyiv Independent that rumors regarding Zelensky's intention to announce presidential elections or a referendum on a potential peace agreement with Russia on February 24, coinciding with the four-year anniversary of the invasion, were unfounded.
"He had no plans to do so," the source clarified when questioned about a possible announcement on that date. "Without security, there is nothing else to discuss."
Zelensky's statements come amidst stagnation in negotiations involving Ukraine, Russia, and the United States, as uncertainty looms regarding Russia's participation.
"We have never opposed ending the war. It is the Russians who have signaled their unwillingness to engage in dialogue," he stated.
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