A new defiant message toward Moscow was sent by the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, in an interview with the BBC, stating that his country is not only not losing the war but will complete it victoriously. During the meeting held over the weekend at the government complex in Kyiv, the Ukrainian president appeared categorical. He rejects any possibility of "paying a price" for a ceasefire demanded by Russian President Vladimir Putin, which would involve Ukraine's withdrawal from strategic territories that Russia failed to occupy despite tens of thousands of troop losses.
"I believe that Putin has already started World War III," Zelensky stated. "The question is how much territory he will be able to occupy and how we will stop him. Russia wants to impose a different way of life on the world and change the lives that people have chosen for themselves."
No territorial concessions
Moscow demands that Ukraine cede 20% of the eastern Donetsk region it still controls—a series of cities Kyiv describes as "fortress cities"—as well as additional territories in the southern regions of Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. Asked if this constitutes a "reasonable price" in exchange for a ceasefire, Zelensky replied emphatically:
"I don't see it just as land. I see it as abandonment—weakening our positions, abandoning hundreds of thousands of our people who live there. And I am certain that such a 'withdrawal' would divide our society." He admitted that a concession might "temporarily satisfy" Putin, but warned that the Russian president simply needs a "pause" to regroup. "Our European partners tell us it will take three to five years. In my opinion, maybe less. And then? Where will he move? We don't know. But that he will want to continue is a given."
"We will not lose... We are fighting for our independence"
The interview took place in a meeting room within the heavily guarded government complex in central Kyiv. Security measures are unprecedented—not without reason, given that Zelensky has already been targeted by Russian attacks. Despite the weight of leadership, the man who started as an artist, won the Ukrainian "Strictly Come Dancing" in 2006, and portrayed an unexpected president in a TV comedy before being elected in reality, appears resilient.
Commenting on analysts' estimates that Ukraine cannot win without concessions, Zelensky countered: "You are in Kyiv, in the capital of our homeland. Will we lose? Of course not. We are fighting for our independence." For him, victory is not limited to restoring daily life and ending losses. "Stopping Putin and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world. He will not stop at Ukraine."
Returning to the 1991 borders
Zelensky clarified that returning to the 1991 borders—the year of Ukraine's independence—is a matter of justice. "We will achieve it. It is a matter of time. If we did it today, it would cost millions of lives. What value is the land without people? None." He admitted, however, that Ukraine lacks sufficient weaponry and depends on the support of its partners.
The shadow of Donald Trump
The stance of the US is a critical factor. US President Donald Trump has repeatedly pressed for a swift ceasefire agreement, exerting greater pressure on Kyiv than on Moscow. A year ago, during a meeting at the White House, Zelensky was in a public confrontation with Trump and Vice President JD Vance, in a scene broadcast worldwide. Since then, he has avoided public conflicts.
Trump has halted almost all military aid shipments, although the US continues to provide critical intelligence. European countries are spending billions to purchase American weapons sent to Ukraine. Zelensky dismissed with a laugh Trump's claim that he is a "dictator" who started the war. "I am not a dictator and I did not start the war. That is all." Asked if he can trust Trump, he replied that security guarantees must be institutionalized by the US Congress so they bind the American state and not just each president.
Elections in the midst of war?
Trump has also called for elections in Ukraine by the summer, adopting Russian rhetoric regarding an "illegal presidency." The elections were scheduled for 2024 but were suspended due to martial law. Zelensky stated that he has not decided whether he will be a candidate. However, he emphasized that elections can only take place once the country's security and the legality of the process are ensured, especially with millions of refugees abroad and large areas under Russian occupation.
The need for Patriot
In the field of defense, Zelensky reiterated the need for strengthening anti-aircraft protection, requesting permission to produce American systems, such as Patriot missiles, under license. "So far we have not succeeded in this," he noted. "I do not know why they do not give us the license."
"We are playing chess on many boards"
Closing the interview, Zelensky spoke in English. To the question of whether Ukraine must prepare for an even longer war, he answered: "No, no. It's two parallel paths. You play chess with many leaders, not just with Russia. There is no single right move. You must move in many directions simultaneously. One of them will bring success. For us, success means stopping Putin." To the question of whether Putin will ever end the war without immense pressure, he answered enigmatically: "Yes and no. We will see. He doesn't want to—but the fact that he doesn't want to doesn't mean he won't do it. God bless. We will make it." Shortly after, he posed for photos, shook hands with the BBC team, and departed the room with a brisk pace—in a country that still lives under the shadow of war.
www.bankingnews.gr
Σχόλια αναγνωστών