Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that a ceasefire is essential for initiating negotiations to end the ongoing war with Russia. “We need an end to the war. The first step could indeed be a complete ceasefire. However, this is quite complex due to the involvement of multiple parties,” he said.
Zelensky explained that while Ukraine is striving for a ceasefire, it requires the willingness of both sides. He emphasized that Russia has shown little indication of making a real move towards peace. “There is one side—Russia—that does not want this. They only express their desire for a ceasefire verbally, but a ceasefire is not just words. It’s a very concrete step,” he added.
The president noted that maintaining a ceasefire is crucial. Referencing the situation in Iran, he remarked, “Achieving a ceasefire is great, but sustaining it is your historical mission. Once you attain a ceasefire, you must preserve it and eventually convert it into an end to the war, leading to real, lasting peace built on security guarantees.”
Zelensky also commented on Russian President Vladimir Putin’s intentions, asserting that he has not abandoned his goals regarding Ukraine. “For him, victory means the occupation of Ukraine, but he has realized that he cannot achieve this now,” Zelensky stated.
Furthermore, he highlighted that the Kremlin is currently focusing on occupying the Donbas region, though this plan is expected to incur significant human losses and take a considerable amount of time according to Russian military assessments. He warned that after a potential freeze on the frontlines, Russia might redirect its aggression towards other nations.
According to Ukrainian estimates, since the beginning of 2026, Russia has lost 150,000 military personnel in combat. Zelensky urged, “If he wants to give a chance to the world—and before that, to his own nation, to the families who have lost their soldiers—it is a huge number of people. From the start of the year, 150,000 Russians have died. It’s for him to think about these people, not me.”
The Ukrainian president affirmed that Ukraine will do everything possible to achieve a ceasefire this year, stating that otherwise, “we will continue the fight.”
Context
- Russia insists on the complete withdrawal of Ukrainian armed forces from the partially occupied territories. The United States has suggested creating a free economic or demilitarized zone in territories controlled by Ukraine in Donbas.
- In an open letter published on June 4, 2026, Zelensky proposed that Putin end the war and hold a personal meeting of leaders in a neutral territory with international security guarantees and the involvement of mediators. The following day at the Eastern Economic Forum, Putin stated that he “sees no reason” for such a meeting and urged his occupying troops to “continue working.”
