Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his desire to bring the ongoing war with Russia to an end next year through diplomatic negotiations. Speaking on Saturday, November 16, during an interview with Ukrainian radio, Zelenskyy underscored the importance of pursuing peace and outlined his vision for resolving the nearly three-year-long conflict.
“For our part, we must do everything we can to ensure that this war ends next year. We have to end it by diplomatic means,” he said. “And this, I think, is very important.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks come amid speculation about the potential implications of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s administration on the conflict. On Friday, Zelenskyy suggested that Trump’s upcoming presidency might accelerate the end of the war, given the Republican leader’s repeated assertions that he could bring a swift resolution to the conflict.
Despite Zelenskyy’s aspirations, the prospect of peace remains tenuous. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, diplomatic efforts have stalled. Russian President Vladimir Putin has maintained that peace talks can only occur if Ukraine cedes occupied territories — a demand that Zelenskyy and his administration categorically reject.
Moscow’s steady military advances in eastern Ukraine over the summer have further complicated the situation. Key towns such as Pokrovsk and Kurakhove are under threat, though Zelenskyy reported on Saturday that Russian forces are incurring significant losses and facing slowed progress in some regions.
“You are at war with a state that does not value its people, that has a lot of equipment, that does not care how many people die,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing the stark differences in approach between the two nations.
The transition of power in the United States adds a layer of uncertainty to the conflict. Trump, who has consistently declared his intention to end the war swiftly if elected, has not disclosed specific plans for achieving this. His administration’s policies are likely to be closely scrutinized by both Kyiv and Moscow, as the U.S. remains a key ally of Ukraine, providing billions of dollars in military and humanitarian aid.
Zelenskyy’s comments signal cautious optimism but also underline the need to “understand what the Russians want.” The balance of power and strategic interests in the region make the path to peace fraught with challenges, including reconciling Trump’s stated approach with Ukraine’s refusal to compromise on its territorial integrity.
Russia’s unyielding position, reiterated during a phone call between President Putin and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Friday, continues to impede diplomatic progress. The Kremlin insists that Ukraine must surrender territories currently under Russian control, a condition Kyiv deems unacceptable.
The G7 nations issued a statement on Saturday marking 1,000 days of the invasion, highlighting Russia as the primary obstacle to a “just and durable peace.” Italy, holding the group’s rotating presidency, emphasized the coalition’s steadfast support for Ukraine.
“Russia remains the only obstacle to a just and durable peace,” the statement read. “We will remain united by Ukraine’s side.”
The war’s human toll remains staggering. Thousands of lives have been lost, millions have been displaced, and cities across Ukraine bear the scars of relentless bombardment. Despite these hardships, Ukraine’s military and civilian population have demonstrated extraordinary resilience.
Zelenskyy’s mention of heavy Russian losses suggests that Kyiv’s strategy of attrition is exacting a toll on Moscow’s forces. However, the Kremlin’s vast reserves of equipment and disregard for casualties prolong the conflict.
International sanctions against Russia, aimed at crippling its war effort, have yet to produce a decisive impact on the Kremlin’s strategic calculations. Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to rely on international support to sustain its defense.
Zelenskyy’s focus on diplomacy highlights a desire to spare Ukraine further suffering while preserving its sovereignty. The path to achieving a negotiated settlement will likely involve navigating a complex web of international alliances, economic sanctions, and political pressures.
The involvement of major global players, including the U.S., NATO, and the European Union, will be critical. Trump’s stance could potentially shift the dynamics of the conflict, though it remains unclear whether his administration would maintain the robust military aid that has been pivotal for Ukraine’s resistance.
As 2025 approaches, Zelenskyy’s call for diplomacy reflects a pragmatic acknowledgment of the limitations of prolonged military conflict. His appeal for peace underscores the need to reconcile Ukraine’s aspirations for sovereignty with the geopolitical realities imposed by Russia’s aggression.
The international community’s role in supporting Ukraine’s pursuit of a “just and durable peace” remains indispensable. Whether through sustained economic sanctions, military assistance, or diplomatic pressure on Moscow, the global response will shape the trajectory of the conflict.
