New Year, New Hope: Zelenskyy Speaks on Peace and Global Support

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy began the New Year by reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to peace and highlighting crucial support from Europe and the United States.

The Gaze reports on it, referring to his New Year’s address on YouTube channel The Gaze.

In his New Year’s address, the President of Ukraine highlighted how near the country is to long-awaited peace. Just ten percent remains unresolved, and finilizing it could save millions of lives and shape the future not only of Ukraine but of Europe as a whole.

This very moment is crucial, and it is essential to highlight the truth about the aspirations of Ukraine, Europe, the United States, and Russia.

“I want all of us to be on the same page, to understand reality equally, and to be armed – not only on the battlefield but armed with the truth,” Zelenskyy said.

What does Ukraine want?

Ukrainian president said that Ukraine seeks peace, but not at any cost. The most important goal for Ukrainians is to end the war without losing statehood and sovereignty. The people of Ukraine, who have endured 1,407 days of full-scale war with courage, are ready to fight but not ready to surrender.

“Just realize these numbers. This is more than the Nazi occupation of many of our cities during World War II. 1,407 days of unconquered Ukraine. Every night in shelters, every day in the fight,” he emphasized.

Zelenskyy added that the Ukrainian people undoubtedly want peace, but the reason it has not yet been achieved is the aggressor country: “Can Russia end the war? Yes. Does it want to? No.”

Russia never ends wars on its own. History shows that only external pressure or coercion has ever forced it to halt aggression, which Moscow itself calls a “gesture of goodwill.” Promises like “Leave Donbas, and everything will end” are therefore deceptive. The truth is often masked as diplomacy, but in reality, it is simply an attempt to distract the world from real aggression.

For this reason, Ukraine has constantly tried to reach the world and expose Russia’s lies.

“Have our arguments been heard? We very much hope so. Have they agreed with us? Not completely. Not yet,” Zelenskyy said, adding that this is exactly the remaining ten percent.

He stressed that security guarantees must be ratified by the US Congress, European parliaments, and all partners. 

“The Budapest Memorandum does not satisfy Ukraine. My signature will be under a strong agreement. And this is what every meeting, every call, every decision is about right now,” he added.

On America

Zelenskyy emphasized that this year there were seven meetings with the US President, during which Trump highlighted the courage of the Ukrainian people and the importance of supporting Ukraine to ensure security in Europe and the world.

“Can America stop the aggressor quickly and decisively? Absolutely. Do we want this? Very much. When is it possible? Always,” he said.

According to him, the US is capable of acting decisively and quickly, and sanctions against Russia are already having an effect. However, achieving true peace requires maximum “deadly grip”: stopping Russian tankers, fully blocking production, and increasing pressure on the Kremlin.

On Europe

The President of Ukraine stressed that not all in Europe fully understand the threat from Russia. He warned that incomplete understanding may come too late, when the war reaches European countries.

“And we have every right today to say: Ukraine is truly the only shield currently separating comfortable European life from the ‘Russian world,’” he emphasized.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine works closely with European leaders: from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom to Denmark, Spain, Finland, and other countries. He emphasized continuous consultations and coordinated actions, including on defense, political support, and preparation for a peace agreement.

The President also highlighted the importance of international financial and military support. Ukraine has received more than $100 billion in support, ensuring the army’s resilience, stability for citizens, and payment of salaries and pensions.

“And such unity and concern for Ukraine extend far beyond the continent. It is noticeable and tangible in Japan, Australia, Canada,” Zelenskyy added, expressing gratitude to everyone who stands on the side of Ukraine.

Read also on The Gaze: Zelenskyy summarized talks with Trump