Zelensky Vows Strong Peace as Putin Reaffirms Russia’s Resolve in Ukraine

Kyiv, Jan 2026 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his New Year’s Eve address, underscored Ukraine’s unwavering determination to end the war on its own terms, emphasizing that the country would not accept a weak peace agreement that compromises its sovereignty or future. Speaking to the nation in a 21-minute televised address just before midnight, Zelensky acknowledged the deep exhaustion felt by Ukrainians after nearly four years of conflict—a period he noted was longer than the German occupation of many Ukrainian cities during World War II.

Despite the fatigue, Zelensky made it clear that tiredness would not equate to surrender. “What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No,” he said. “We want an end to the war but not the end of Ukraine.” He warned that any agreement lacking credible guarantees would only prolong hostilities rather than resolve them. “Any signature placed on weak agreements only fuels the war. My signature will be placed on a strong agreement,” he added, stressing that Kyiv’s priority is a durable and meaningful settlement, not a temporary truce.

The Ukrainian leader highlighted ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a lasting peace. Zelensky cited weeks of US-led diplomacy, including recent talks in Florida with US President Donald Trump, which have reportedly brought negotiations close to completion. “A peace agreement is 90 per cent ready. That 10 per cent contains everything. It will determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe,” he said, pointing to the remaining challenges—primarily unresolved territorial disputes.

Currently, Russia occupies roughly 19 per cent of Ukrainian territory, largely in the southern and eastern regions. Moscow has demanded that Kyiv withdraw from parts of the eastern Donbas region that Russian forces have not fully captured. Ukraine, however, seeks to freeze the front lines at their current positions. Zelensky rejected Russian demands for a full withdrawal as “deception,” cautioning that repeated false promises disguised as diplomacy cannot be trusted. “Does anyone still believe them? Unfortunately, yes. Too often the truth is avoided and called diplomacy when in fact it is simply lies dressed up in business suits,” he said.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin delivered a brief New Year message to troops on the front lines, reaffirming Moscow’s confidence in eventual victory. Aired first in Kamchatka—the easternmost Russian region to welcome 2026—Putin praised the soldiers as “heroes” and sought to reinforce morale after nearly four years of fighting. Addressing “fighters and commanders,” he said, “We believe in you and our victory.” The message coincided with Russia’s main public holiday and the 26th anniversary of Putin’s rise to power, emphasizing continuity of leadership and resolve.

Zelensky’s and Putin’s messages, broadcast almost simultaneously, highlight the starkly contrasting positions of the two sides as the war enters a new year. While Kyiv stresses negotiation and durable peace, Moscow continues to project confidence in its military campaign. The new year begins with both nations holding firm to their positions, leaving the path to a lasting resolution uncertain amid ongoing conflict and diplomatic maneuvering.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)