President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine would rather continue the war than agree to a disadvantageous peace agreement.
He made the statement in an interview with Saimon Shuster for The Atlantic.
On peace and Ukraine’s position
Zelenskyy stressed that he will not force Ukrainians to accept terms he considers unfair.
“I would rather sign no deal at all than force my people to accept a disadvantageous one,” he said.
The president emphasized that even after years of full-scale war, he remains ready to continue the fight. He said this is necessary to achieve a just and lasting peace.
“Ukraine will not lose,” the head of state added.
On Trump and the US elections
In the interview, Zelenskyy also said that ending the war between Russia and Ukraine would be a major political victory. He added that it would be especially significant for US President Donald Trump.
“I think there is no greater victory for Trump than ending the war between Russia and Ukraine. For his legacy, that is number one.”
According to Zelenskyy, ending the war could also become a key achievement for the Republican Party ahead of the midterm congressional elections in November 2026.
“The most beneficial situation for Trump is to do it before the midterms. Yes, he wants fewer deaths. But if we speak as adults, for him this is simply a victory, a political victory,” Zelenskyy said.
Ukraine’s president says he would rather continue the war. He will not accept an unfair peace agreement with Russia.
On elections and a referendum in Ukraine
Zelenskyy said that Ukraine is ready to hold presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement – but only under secure conditions.
“I am ready for elections. But for that we need security guarantees and a ceasefire,” he noted.
The president also stressed that the idea of holding elections during wartime is Russian in origin.
“They want to get rid of me. We are not afraid of anything. Are we ready for elections? We are ready. Are we ready for a referendum? We are ready.”
Context
The interview was published amid active diplomatic contacts between the United States, Ukraine, and Russia following talks in Abu Dhabi on February 4–5. Earlier, Zelenskyy said that Kyiv is ready for a new round of negotiations with the United States on ending the war.
Previously, The Ukrainian Review reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is considering announcing presidential elections and a referendum on a peace agreement with Russia.
