Zelensky Open to Peace Talks if U.S. and Europe Pledge Long-Term Support
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that he is willing to engage in peace talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin, but only if the United States and Europe provide firm guarantees of long-term support for Ukraine. In an interview with Britain’s ITV, Zelensky emphasized that any negotiation must be backed by security assurances to prevent Ukraine from being abandoned in the future. Without such commitments, he fears the war could become a “frozen conflict,” allowing Russia to regroup and strike again later.
Zelensky acknowledged the potential for negotiations but insisted that Western nations must take a strong stance to ensure Ukraine’s security. He expressed his hope that allies would exert enough pressure to force Putin to end the war. He also referenced discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that resolving the conflict requires not just stopping the fighting but also ensuring that Russia cannot restart hostilities in the future.
When asked if he would sit down with Putin, Zelensky made it clear that he would, but only under the condition that Ukraine receives unwavering support from its Western allies. He rejected the idea of compromise solutions that would legitimize Russia’s occupation of Ukrainian territory. For Zelensky, the restoration of Ukraine’s internationally recognized 1991 borders is non-negotiable, despite proposals from some European diplomats suggesting territorial concessions in exchange for peace.
Zelensky’s position on negotiations has evolved over time. While he previously dismissed talks as futile, given the stark differences in war aims between Moscow and Kyiv, he now appears open to dialogue—provided it leads to a lasting resolution. He remains wary, however, of agreements being made over Ukraine’s future without its direct involvement, citing past instances where international decisions were imposed on the country, such as the surrender of its nuclear arsenal in the 1990s.
Ukraine’s leader insists that any peace agreement must provide lasting stability, not just a temporary pause that allows Russia to rearm and attack again. He warned that a frozen conflict would ultimately lead to renewed aggression, which would be a failure for Ukraine and its allies alike. While Russia has sent mixed signals about its willingness to negotiate, Zelensky remains firm: real peace must come with concrete security guarantees, not just empty promises.