Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky ushered in the New Year with a powerful and defiant address, drawing a clear line in the sand for ongoing peace negotiations. He affirmed Ukraine's desire for peace but categorically rejected achieving it through surrender or the nation's demise.
"We Want the End of the War, Not the End of Ukraine"
In his stark New Year's message, President Zelensky directly addressed the fatigue and resilience of his nation. "What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No," he declared. He emphasized that while the country is exhausted, readiness for peace should not be mistaken for a willingness to capitulate. "We want the end of the war — not the end of Ukraine. Are we tired? Extremely. Does that mean we are ready to surrender? Those who think so are deeply mistaken," Zelensky stated.
He asserted that Kyiv has pursued every possible diplomatic channel. "But with a clear conscience, I, all of us, can say that Ukraine is truly doing everything for peace," the President added, positioning his government as the committed party to a just resolution.
Peace Framework Nears Completion, Critical Details Remain
Zelensky provided a significant update on the state of negotiations, revealing that a US-backed peace agreement is largely formulated. "The peace deal is 90% ready," he announced on January 2, 2026.
However, he stressed that the final, unresolved portion is the most critical. "Those are the 10% that will determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe, how people will live," Zelensky explained. He framed the remaining work as a decisive test of global unity and wisdom, necessary to save millions of lives and ensure a durable peace.
Diplomatic Push Amidst Renewed Hostilities
The President's address followed a key diplomatic discussion. Shortly before, Zelensky spoke with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy appointed by US President Donald Trump. Their conversation, held on December 28, 2025, focused on advancing the peace process practically.
Witkoff, posting on social media platform X, said they discussed "strengthening security guarantees and developing effective deconfliction mechanisms to help end the war and ensure it does not restart." This indicates talks are moving into the phase of implementing and securing any potential agreement.
Despite this diplomatic activity, violence continued. As New Year celebrations were underway, Russia launched approximately 205 drones into Ukrainian territory, according to Ukrainian military reports. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least two people. Concurrently, Moscow revived claims that Ukraine attempted to assassinate Russian President Vladimir Putin in a December drone strike—an allegation firmly denied by Kyiv and reportedly debunked by US intelligence.
Concluding his message against this backdrop of ongoing conflict, Zelensky sent a final, resolute warning to the world: "Those who still doubt us have not understood who Ukrainians are." His words underscore that while the path to peace is being actively walked, Ukraine's fundamental conditions for its survival and sovereignty remain non-negotiable.
