Zelenskyy Rejects Weak Deal, Putin Vows Victory
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine wants the war to end but will not sign a weak peace agreement that, in his view, would only delay another round of fighting. In a New Year address, he said Ukrainians are exhausted after nearly four years of war, but insisted that tiredness will not translate into surrender. Zelenskyy said any settlement must be durable and backed by credible security guarantees.
Talks described as close, territory remains the hardest issue
Zelenskyy said a U.S. led diplomatic effort has brought a possible deal close to completion, describing it as “90% ready,” while warning that the remaining issues are the most difficult. He said the key sticking point is territory, with Russia still occupying about one fifth of Ukraine. Zelenskyy rejected Russian demands that Ukraine withdraw from areas of eastern Ukraine that Moscow claims, including parts of the Donbas region, calling such terms unacceptable.
Putin repeats confidence in Russia’s war aims
Russian President Vladimir Putin used his own New Year message to praise Russian troops and express confidence that Russia will achieve its objectives in Ukraine. His remarks signalled no shift in Moscow’s public stance as the war continues into 2026.
