Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated that his country is “10 percent” away from reaching a comprehensive peace agreement to end the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, he emphasized that crucial issues are still unresolved and warned against providing any concessions to Moscow that could be perceived as rewards for aggression.
Efforts spearheaded by the United States and its allies to negotiate an end to what has become Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have accelerated in recent weeks. One of the most contentious topics remains the territorial disputes stemming from the war, especially as Russia occupies about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, including significant portions of the eastern Donbas region. Zelensky has reiterated that conceding any land would only embolden Russia.
In a reflective New Year’s Eve address, Zelensky conveyed Ukraine’s desire for peace but made it clear that this objective should not come at “any cost.” He insists that a viable agreement must include robust security guarantees to protect against future Russian invasions. “The peace agreement is 90 percent ready. Ten percent remains. And that is far more than just numbers,” Zelensky stated, underlining the importance of the remaining unresolved issues that will ultimately dictate the destiny of both Ukraine and Europe.
His speech followed a call involving U.S. officials, including top envoy Steve Witkoff, and security advisors from Ukraine and Europe, discussing potential pathways to conclude the nearly four-year conflict. The war, entering its fifth year, has caused widespread devastation, displacing millions and leaving numerous Ukrainian cities in ruins.
On the other side, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his own New Year’s Eve address, urged the Russian public to maintain faith in a victorious outcome in Ukraine. The Russian leader’s narrative has consistently portrayed military ambitions to expand control over areas of Ukraine that he claims as Russian territory. Addressing soldiers he referred to as “heroes,” Putin expressed unwavering confidence, stating, “We believe in you and our victory.”
In a development that is likely to complicate diplomatic efforts, the Kremlin announced it would adopt a tougher posture in negotiations, following claims that Ukraine had attempted an attack on Putin’s lakeside residence through coordinated drone strikes. Moscow labeled this incident as both a personal and terrorist attack against Putin, declaring intentions to intensify its negotiation stance as a direct response.
Footage released by Moscow purportedly depicted a drone discovered in the vicinity of the presidential residence, alongside claims by the Russian defense ministry regarding a well-planned assault. However, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War has noted the lack of verifiable evidence or corroborating accounts that would affirm the Kremlin’s assertions concerning a Ukrainian strike aimed at Putin’s residence.
As the conflict persists, the dynamics on both sides highlight the complexities and high stakes of reaching a lasting resolution, with the interplay of military actions and diplomatic negotiations remaining crucial in determining the future trajectory of Ukraine-Russia relations.
