Zelenskyy Rejects 'Weak' Peace Deal As New Year Begins

Kiev: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear in his New Year's speech that his country wants peace, but not at any price. Zelenskyy rejected the idea of a "weak" peace deal that could compromise Ukraine's future. He said Ukraine will not surrender or sign any agreement that doesn't secure lasting peace and protect its independence. 

In a televised address late on December 31, Zelenskyy told citizens that after nearly four years of war, people are tired, but their fatigue is not a reason to give up. "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he said, adding that any deal that leaves Ukraine vulnerable would only fuel more conflict.

The Ukrainian president also acknowledged the toll the war has taken on the country. "Are we tired? Very," he said. "Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken." 

Why is this stance significant now?

Talks between Ukraine, Russia and international mediators have been moving forward, and diplomats recently said a peace agreement was almost complete. Zelenskyy, however, said the final stages of negotiations are the most critical and warned against rushing into a pact that falls short of Ukraine's demands.

He insisted that the core issue remains control of territory seized by Russian forces. Ukraine wants the current front lines to remain unchanged, while Moscow has pressed for Ukraine to give up parts of the eastern Donbas region. 

How did Putin respond?

From Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin struck a very different tone in his own New Year speech. Putin said he still believes Russia will win the war, framing the conflict as a long-term struggle. He focused heavily on morale and praised Russian troops but did not address recent claims about a Ukrainian drone attack on his residence, a claim Kyiv has denied.

Putin's remarks showed that, despite international pressure and ongoing talks, there’s still a wide gap between what each side wants.