Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s main statements at a press conference dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine
On February 23, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyi, held a press conference dedicated to the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, which detailed highlighted a number of important questions. He answered numerous questions about his plans for the near future, his relationship with the President of the United States, Donald Trump, and also talked about the details of the mining agreement, security guarantees and the prospects for the peace process.
Plans for the near future
Zelensky announced that a large-scale meeting with partners will be held in Kyiv on February 24, which will be attended by 13 leaders, including representatives of the European Union, and some of the participants will speak remotely.
According to the president, during this meeting, the strategy of actions for the coming weeks will be discussed, in particular, issues regarding the formats of security guarantees for Ukraine, primarily from Europe and the USA.
“Tomorrow may be a turning point. Let’s see… I think I will propose that in the coming days we meet in one of the European capitals and determine the possible format of guarantees.” – he noted.
Willingness to leave the position
Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that he is ready to give up his post if it will contribute to the achievement of peace in Ukraine.
“I can exchange my presidency for membership in NATO, if the appropriate conditions are met, and it will happen immediately, without further discussion. I am focused on the security of Ukraine today, not on plans for the next 20 years, and I do not intend to stay in power for decades. This is my main focus and desired goal.” – he added.
Format of peace talks
In his speech, Zelenskyy emphasized again that NATO membership is the most effective guarantee of security, and this issue will definitely be on the negotiating table.
“We will discuss this issue with our partners. It is very important that everyone understands that this is not just a negotiating table to which Ukraine is invited, but our own table, which we organize for a meeting with European leaders, because we are an integral part of Europe and the European Union,” he said. In his opinion, the representation of Europe at such a table should be wider than only the European Union, to which, for example, Great Britain should be included, and also the USA, as the main donor of Ukraine, should be involved. “Partners want Russia to be there, and it will certainly find its place. Thus, we see the negotiating table as a union of Ukraine, Europe, the USA and Russia – something like this.” – he emphasized.
Relations with Donald Trump
Regarding cooperation with Trump, Zelensky noted:
“What do I expect from Donald Trump? If you believe his words, he wants to end the war as soon as possible, and in this our positions are absolutely the same. I’m sure he also wants to help us end the war. However, achieving peace through the use of force means turning our power against Russia. We are partners, and I really want to see him on our side.”
He added that he is ready to discuss with Trump the issue of attracting a European contingent, an economic agreement and security guarantees.
The issue of the mining agreement
Zelenskyy explained that the United States should take responsibility for protecting Ukraine’s subsoil from Russia and its allies, because Ukraine provides access to its minerals, oil and gas.
“You are engaged in mining, and we share resources. You will have priority, you will be number one, but do everything you can to stop the enemy and restore justice for us. Stop the war, make Putin act.” – said the president.
The first version of the agreement did not include security guarantees, which made it difficult for Ukraine to accept such an offer, since it was not known what would happen to it in the future.
“If the issue concerned the division of the occupied territories and our assistance in their restoration, this would be the subject of a separate discussion.” – he added.
In the second option, the creation of a fund worth 500 billion dollars was proposed, but the US actually demanded that Ukraine recognize the debt for previously provided military and financial assistance.
“I know we had 100 billion, and I’m not ready to admit 500. With all due respect to our partners, we believe our position is correct. And I am not ready to fix even 100 billion, because grants should not be considered as debt obligations. I negotiated with Biden and Congress and got support for the grants. A grant is not a debt and we do not have to repay the money as a debt. Although you may not like it, such an agreement has already been made before – the question is not the amount, but the fact that we do not recognize it as a debt”, – Zelensky emphasized.
At the same time, if the condition is that the USA helps, and Ukraine must return the funds with a profit for the Americans, he is ready to conduct a dialogue, but the question remains, how much the USA is ready to provide and what the price will be.
“I have had several serious deals in my life, and I know how to properly make deals with serious partners. They should be signed in such a way as to remain friends and partners, and have clear rules for resolving disagreements without litigation. For example, there is a principle of a 1:2 ratio, that is, for every dollar, Ukraine must return two – this is, in fact, a 100% loan.” he said.
According to him, such conditions are unfair, because if the USA provides aid in the amount of 50 billion dollars, Ukraine will be obliged to return 100 billion.
“If there are no alternatives, we may have to agree, but my concern is: when the US sells weapons to Israel, do they get 100% of the profit? I insist on dialogue, because I am not going to sign an agreement according to which payments will be made for ten generations of Ukrainians.”, the president added.
He emphasized that the mineral deal should be mutually beneficial so that all parties enjoy the partnership, and added that they would very much like to meet with Trump so that ministers can sign the relevant documents, parliaments ratify them and everyone would be happy.
The US position on security guarantees
According to the president, according to the American logic, if they participate in the extraction of resources, this is already considered as a guarantee of security. Special Representative Keith Kellogg, Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance expressed these views. However, as practice shows, more than 20 American companies once worked in the temporarily occupied territories, which indicates that the presence of business does not provide 100% guarantees that the Russians will not return.
“I answered that the American business was present here, offices existed both in the free regions and in the temporarily occupied territory. This shows that this is not enough to ensure that the Russians will not return to those places.” – noted Zelensky.
He also expressed confusion about why the US is not ready to use force to protect its own interests.
“If the economic agreement is part of security guarantees, why can’t your troops be stationed where your interests should be present? We have not received a response. The example of American companies that have been affected shows that if Putin decides to start aggression again, nothing will stop him. This question is not about personal liking or disliking Trump – he will not stay forever, and we need peace for many years.” – added the president.
As another effective guarantee of security, the purchase of weapons for defense, including 20 Patriot systems, was proposed, the cost of which will be from 30 to 35 billion dollars, which can be considered as an investment in the security of Ukraine. Under such conditions, Zelensky is even ready to make a corresponding contribution to the fund under the mineral agreement.
“But we need to meet with Trump and discuss this. I believe that the meeting should be fair and take place before the meeting with Putin.” – he noted.
Aid from the United States
As the president reported, Ukraine currently receives military aid, which was approved and allocated even before Trump’s presidency.
“We are grateful that aid has not been withdrawn, although due to delays in delivery it is still coming in… $15 billion is on the way, so nothing has been stopped, but nothing new has been announced.” – said Zelensky.
Asked by journalists whether US officials had hinted at ending aid, the president answered categorically “no”.
Regarding publications about the possible disconnection of Ukraine from the Starlink satellite network, he noted that there were no such hints either, but it is necessary to be prepared for possible risks.
“Our relevant institutions are working on it. A disconnection from Starlink would be unacceptable, as we are talking about 45,000 systems that provide communication for thousands – these are hospitals, kindergartens, schools and universities. Without Starlink, the situation will become extremely difficult, which is one of the serious humanitarian challenges. In addition, we pay for these services, for which we thank Germany and Poland – this is not free help. So far, such risks are not visible.” – he added.
Attitude to Trump’s words about a “dictator without elections”
Zelensky commented on Trump’s words, in which he was called a “dictator without elections.”
“There is no room for emotions here. I have a pragmatic approach to dealing with the current US administration and will continue to do so. But, of course, I would not call these words of President Trump addressed to me as compliments, to put it mildly.
I understand it like this. But why be offended? Someone who is a dictator would be offended by the word dictator. And this is how I perceive it – well, what are you going to do, we will somehow live with the USA. We will definitely not be dictators. Just not interesting. I am a legitimately elected president, I did not come to power by force, I was elected by 73%.” – he noted.
The president added that elections will be held after martial law is lifted, and the Ukrainian people will make their decision.
“I have no intention of being in power for ten years, but we will not allow Putin to retain power on the territory of Ukraine either. Words may change over time, maybe some positive moments will appear. The most important thing for me is what Ukrainians think of me.” – he emphasized.
The problem of holding elections before the end of the war
According to Zelenskyi, the issue of holding elections during hostilities was first raised by Russia, and later gained publicity in the USA, but our partners do not put pressure on Ukraine in this direction, although such dangerous trends should be restrained.
“If we were to hold elections now… one question is even if we have democratic elections and they are recognized, how are people supposed to vote in wartime? How will military personnel vote at the front? I cannot understand this, because it is outside the boundaries of Ukrainian legislation. But the main thing is safety. How can we organize a vote when 267 drones flew to us today?”, – said the president.
He noted that the issues of organizing voting in the frontline and border regions, preparing the necessary infrastructure, the possibility of the arrival of observers, and organizing voting for residents of the occupied territories also remain unresolved.
“Until we return our territories, it is not clear who will give them back. Will the Russians be able to control the elections in the occupied territories? There are many questions. And if we cancel martial law, many people will return home – in which country will they be able to vote, under which flag, if the whole army goes back?”, – added the president.
The issue of just peace and territorial control
Commenting on the question of a just peace and distribution of control over the territories, the president avoided a direct answer. He explained that there is an ongoing discussion about how to get Putin to end the hot phase of the war, and that this process will be very difficult and long, as it must be accompanied by security guarantees. In practice, this means that if Ukraine does not join NATO, it will be necessary to ensure the financing of the army, the number of which should be 800,000 soldiers. It is also unclear how exactly the ceasefire will be verified.
“You remember, after the Minsk agreements, the shooting continued, and no one could ensure control, which led to the death and injury of people. It’s a very complicated question, so I can’t give a comprehensive answer right now.” he said.
Predictions about the end of the war
Zelensky expressed his belief that the United States will make every effort to end the hot phase of the war in 2025.
“This is their goal and they will act to achieve this result. That’s why I’m saying that doing everything possible for a ceasefire without supporting us is a completely different format.” – he noted.
He also added that the US seeks a ceasefire and considers it a huge success, because under such a scenario, Putin will not risk starting aggression again. However, if the war does not end, the consequences can be catastrophic:
“The Americans will be defeated, because if a new war starts in a year, victory will be impossible, and the Russians will be able to prepare a second offensive. This is very dangerous for everyone. We do not need their guarantees, and we cannot allow Putin’s word to become the basis of security guarantees.” – emphasized Zelensky.
Regarding statements by White House representatives that Trump could achieve an end to the war as early as next week, he responded:
“It is impossible to end the war this week with guarantees for Ukraine. I do not see how without our meetings it is possible to achieve this today.”
He also noted that the negotiations between the Americans and the Russians do not cause problems, but with regard to Ukraine, it is impossible to agree on terms without its participation.
“I will not sign an agreement that harms Ukraine. It is impossible to end the war without the participation of Ukraine.” he said.
The issue of the Ukrainian army and armaments
According to Zelenskyi, today Ukraine needs to have an army, the number of which is at least 800 thousand soldiers. This does not mean that after the end of the hot phase of the war, everyone will be able to return home, because currently the first pilot project “Contract 18-24” is already being implemented, and the military is being prepared for the transition to full contract service. When he was asked about the possibility of setting specific terms of service, especially in the context of preferences for 18-24-year-olds, who are promised the possibility of being released after just one year, he replied that he had instructed to find out the situation regarding those who voluntarily joined the service at the age of 18-24.
“We will see in a few months how this initiative works, and then we will open a similar opportunity for other brigades.” he said.
Regarding arms deliveries, the president noted:
“Palyanytsia-type weapons fly, Peko flies, and Ruta also flies. I sincerely thank our defense-industrial complex. These three systems are already in the process of delivery, and ballistic means are being prepared.”
He also noted that parallel work is underway to create domestic analogues of Patriot systems.
Cooperation with China
Regarding the possibility of rapprochement with China against the background of difficulties with American partners, Zelensky said that he is used to fighting to the end, but in relations with China he is focused on economic cooperation.
“I believe that China should be present especially at the moment when the issues of territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine will be discussed. If they can contribute to forcing Russia to recognize territorial integrity, why not? However, there are currently no signals of cooperation from China. Point”, – he said and added that Beijing can play a role in the restoration of Ukraine if it is interested in this possibility.
Referendum or ratification of the peace agreement with the Russian Federation
According to Zelenskyi, the question of whether a referendum or ratification of a peace agreement with the Russian Federation will be necessary is extremely difficult and depends on whether Ukraine’s partners will remain on its side, as this will directly affect the viability and fairness of such an agreement.
“Depending on the details of this agreement, the issue can be considered in different ways. In any financial matter, agreements require ratification, therefore, I think, it will be necessary to be guided by Ukrainian legislation and see how the situation will develop.” – added the president.
The question of the controlled part of the Kursk region
According to Zelenskyi, Ukraine does not need territories that belong to Russia.
“In any case, the Kursk region can become a subject of exchange for our territories. I am sure that when we consider the issue of territorial integrity, these steps will help us.” – he noted.
About the case of generals regarding the defense of the Kharkiv region
Answering the question of whether the criminal prosecution of generals for official negligence in the context of the defense of the Kharkiv region affects trust in the authorities, the president noted that such trust is not diminishing. He explained that the case concerns not only issues of territorial integrity, but also the history of the struggle for Ukrainian lands, where a large number of people died at every kilometer of the battle. According to him, this is an extremely serious problem, and it is necessary that the relevant law enforcement agencies conduct a full investigation.
The President also emphasized that despite the respect shown to the senior officers, the main concern remains that it is the soldiers who die, and the responsibility for this should lie with the immediate leadership. He expressed his disagreement with the position that, in connection with martial law, you can simply say: “We are at war” and thus ignore all the problems, because this, in his opinion, is completely unacceptable.
Zelensky recalled that at a meeting of the headquarters of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief, he asked the military leadership: were the relevant generals who participated in the defense of the Kharkiv region, directly on the front line, in the very trenches.
“No. What are the claims against these guys that they left somewhere or something happened there? And I have claims that a large number of them died there. Do you need to figure it out? I think it is necessary.” – summed up Zelensky.
