Zelenskyy Says He Will Only Sign ‘Strong’ Peace Deal in New Year’s Eve Address

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reaffirmed in a New Year’s Eve address that Ukraine wants peace with Russia but not at the expense of its existence, pledging to reject any “weak” resolution in the name of ending further conflict.

Kyiv wants the map frozen at the current battle lines, and Zelenskyy dismissed as “deception” Russian demands for a complete withdrawal from Donbas as a precondition for any cease-fire or peace agreement.

“What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No. We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine,” Zelenskyy, wearing a dark green embroidered Ukrainian shirt, said in Ukrainian in his 21-minute address given ahead of midnight.

“Are we tired? Very. Does this mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken,” he said.

Zelenskyy said that any signature “placed on weak agreements only fuels the war.”

“My signature will be placed on a strong agreement. And that is exactly what every meeting, every phone call, every decision is about now,” he said. “To secure a strong peace for everyone; not for a day, a week, or two months, but peace for years.”

“Does anyone still believe them?” Zelenskyy said regarding Russia’s terms for a cease-fire. “Unfortunately, yes, because too often, the truth is avoided and called diplomacy when in fact, it is simply lies dressed up in business suits.”

The president’s statement comes as diplomatic efforts to end the nearly four-year conflict creep along, tempered by continuing military pressures and deep-seated disagreements.

Recent peace talks in Berlin on Dec. 15 saw progress, as Kyiv’s top negotiator, Rustem Umerov, described the second day of discussions with a U.S. delegation as constructive, highlighting “real progress” and expressing optimism. Zelenskyy has not signaled flexibility, and said on Dec. 14 that Ukraine is open to abandoning its NATO aspirations in exchange for Western security pledges.

Zelenskyy has refused to surrender any territory, while Russia demands control over occupied regions in eastern Ukraine.

In early November, Russian attacks claimed two lives and plunged the Donetsk region into darkness by cutting power supplies. Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched nearly 1,500 attack drones, 1,170 guided aerial bombs, and over 70 missiles in only one week.

The largest prisoner swap of the war took place in May, with both sides freeing 390 captives each.

Reuters contributed to this report.