Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks on New Year: “We want an end to the war, not to Ukraine”

Zelenskyy New Year Peace Proposal: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has given a very emotional and courageous message to his countrymen on the eve of New Year 2026. Amid the nearly four-year-long conflict, Zelensky made it clear that his country is interested in peace but not at the cost of surrender.

He stressed that he wanted to end the war but would not sign any agreement that would erase Ukraine from existence. This statement has come at a time when Russian President Putin has also reiterated his unwavering confidence in his victory.

tiredness does not mean defeat

In his 21-minute address, Zelensky acknowledged that the long-running war had exhausted the public. He said that this time has dragged on longer than the dark period of the Second World War but Ukraine’s courage has not broken. According to him, fatigue does not at all mean that Ukraine will kneel down or hand over its land to the enemy.

Agreement impossible without security guarantee

Zelensky warned that he would only accept a peace agreement that would have strong and reliable security guarantees for the future. They believe that any weak or hasty agreement would mean prolonging the war. They will sign only those documents that fully ensure the integrity of Ukraine and the security of Europe.

Peace talks now at final stage

Referring to the ongoing diplomatic efforts under American leadership, Zelensky said that the agreement is almost 90 percent ready. However, the remaining 10 percent is the most challenging because it involves difficult issues that decide the future of Ukraine and Europe as a whole. Unresolved territorial disputes currently stand as the biggest obstacle to a permanent settlement.

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Territorial disputes and Russia’s demands

According to Ukrainian media, Russia currently has control over about 19 percent of Ukraine, which it does not want to give up. Putin demands that Ukraine completely withdraw from the Donbass region, but Zelensky has called this demand a betrayal of the country. They say that they will not sell even an inch of their land on Russian terms.

Putin counter-attacks and claims victory

On the other hand, Russian President Vladimir Putin, while addressing his soldiers on the New Year, has expressed full confidence of victory. He called the Russian troops deployed at the front as ‘real heroes’ Stating that Russia will die only after achieving its goals. It is clear from these statements of the Presidents of both the countries that the shadow of diplomatic tussle and war may persist even in 2026.