President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russian leader Vladimir Putin has effectively triggered a global conflict and must be stopped through intensified military and economic pressure.
Speaking in an interview with BBC in Kyiv, Zelensky insisted Ukraine would not concede territory in exchange for a ceasefire, arguing that such a move would weaken national unity and abandon citizens living in occupied areas.
“I believe that Putin has already started it,” Zelensky said, adding that Russia seeks to impose a different way of life on the world.
Zelensky dismissed proposals that Ukraine surrender remaining parts of the eastern Donetsk region and additional southern territory to end the war, warning that any withdrawal would divide the country and only provide Russia time to regroup.
He said Moscow could resume aggression within a few years if granted a pause.
Ukraine insists it will prevail
Despite battlefield pressures and calls from some Western analysts for compromise, Zelensky maintained that Ukraine would not lose the war.
“We are fighting for Ukraine’s independence,” he said, stressing that victory includes restoring normal life, preserving sovereignty and preventing further Russian expansion.
He added that reclaiming Ukraine’s internationally recognised 1991 borders remains the ultimate goal, though immediate large-scale offensives could cost massive civilian and military casualties.
Zelensky’s remarks come amid renewed pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, who has urged Kyiv to engage quickly in ceasefire negotiations.
Western diplomats say Washington believes territorial concessions may be key to ending the conflict, though Kyiv fears such compromises would embolden Moscow.
The Ukrainian leader said long-term security guarantees approved by the U.S. Congress rather than dependent on any single president are essential before considering political steps such as elections.
Zelensky noted that elections postponed under martial law could be organised if necessary to end the war, but stressed they must be recognised as legitimate and conducted under secure conditions, given the displacement of millions and ongoing occupation.
The president also highlighted Ukraine’s urgent need for stronger air defence systems and expressed frustration that partners have not granted licences to produce systems such as Patriot missiles domestically.
War could continue, but pressure key
Zelensky said ending the war requires coordinated global pressure on Russia, while diplomatic and military strategies proceed simultaneously.
“For us, success is to stop Putin,” he said, expressing confidence that Ukraine will ultimately prevail.
The war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022, continues to reshape global security and geopolitical alliances, with Kyiv warning that failure to halt Moscow could threaten wider international stability.
