Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Ukraine is “10 per cent” away from a deal to end the war with Russia, but warned.
That the remaining issues are the most difficult and decisive, with far-reaching consequences for Ukraine and Europe. “The peace agreement is 90 per cent ready. Ten per cent remains. And that is far more than just numbers,” Zelenskyy said in a video message posted on his Telegram channel.
Emphasising the stakes, he added, “Those are the 10 per cent that will determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe.”
Zelenskyy stressed that while Ukraine wants the war to end, any settlement must include robust security guarantees to prevent future aggression. Citing concerns over long-term stability, he cautioned against rewarding Moscow through concessions that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty or embolden Russia, according to AFP.
His remarks come amid intensified diplomatic efforts, led largely by the United States, to broker an end to the conflict. However, major differences remain unresolved, particularly over territorial control.
Russia currently occupies about 20 per cent of Ukrainian territory and has demanded full control of the eastern Donbas region as part of any agreement. Kyiv has repeatedly rejected the demand, warning that territorial concessions would only encourage further aggression.
Zelenskyy later reinforced Ukraine’s position in a separate New Year address posted on X, drawing a clear line between peace and capitulation. “Let’s start with the most important thing. What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No,” he said.
“We want the end of the war, but not the end of Ukraine.”
Acknowledging the exhaustion caused by nearly four years of fighting, Zelenskyy spoke of the heavy toll the war has taken on the nation, while making clear that Ukraine would not surrender its sovereignty in pursuit of peace.
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