President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that no country or world leader has the right to negotiate with Russia on behalf of Ukraine. Speaking during an exceptional online session with readers of Le Parisien after discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Paris, Zelenskyy emphasised that any dialogue with the Kremlin must be rooted in a unified strategy and conducted from a position of strength.
Ukraine’s Sovereignty in Focus
Zelenskyy firmly asserted that Ukraine alone determines its future, and no external entity can dictate terms on its behalf. “I insist that no leader in the world has the right to negotiate with Putin without Ukraine. We have never delegated this mandate to anyone. We are the victims here. It would be unjust for others to decide how our country should live,” he stated. Drawing comparisons, he added, “Just as the French decide their future in France, Italians in Italy, and Americans in the United States, so too must Ukrainians decide for Ukraine.”
This sentiment was echoed during his discussion with Le Parisien, where he highlighted the importance of personal freedom: “I want to live and live as I wish, and no one has the right to take this away from me by force.” He underscored that protecting these values of freedom and family is central to Ukraine’s resistance.
Strategic Positioning for Negotiations
Zelenskyy stressed the importance of Ukraine’s position in any potential talks. He noted that sitting at the negotiating table with Russian President Vladimir Putin without clear guarantees and a solid framework would effectively grant Moscow undue influence over the region.
“It’s not about the person you are negotiating with; it’s about the position you are in during the talks. I don’t believe we are in a weak position, but neither are we in a strong one. Are we in NATO? No. Are we in the European Union? Yes, eventually, but when? To negotiate with Putin under such circumstances would mean giving him the right to decide everything in our part of the world. First, we need to develop a model, a strategy, or a peace plan—call it what you will. Then we can present it to Putin or the broader Russian side,” he explained.
Commitment to EU and NATO Membership
Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s unwavering commitment to joining the European Union and NATO, describing the latter as the only reliable guarantee of long-term security. Acknowledging the challenges of this pursuit, he highlighted the public’s understanding of the associated risks and rewards.
“Who can guarantee that Putin will not return to Ukraine? Which country will come to our aid with planes and troops? Currently, all we have are bilateral assurances of military and financial support from our partners. But if Putin returns with millions of troops, will we once again defend ourselves alone? Will we stand by as our women and children perish? This is not just about joining NATO—it’s about ensuring our own security,” he declared.
A Warning Against Freezing the Conflict
In his remarks, Zelenskyy also pointed to Ukraine’s firm stance against freezing the ongoing war. He stressed that Ukraine has no intention of surrendering or accepting a frozen conflict, a message he said had been communicated to newly elected U.S. President Donald Trump.
This stance reflects Kyiv’s broader resistance to any resolution that does not fully restore its territorial integrity and sovereignty. Zelenskyy’s comments underline the need for an enduring solution that safeguards Ukraine’s interests and ensures that aggression against the country cannot recur.
Strength Through Unity and Resilience
Zelenskyy shared insights on the personal toll of war and the resilience it requires, noting that visits to the front lines reveal the immense strain on Ukrainian troops. “They are heroic individuals deserving of immense respect, but they are exhausted. In some areas, rotations are slow, and daily attacks with missiles and drones make the situation extremely difficult both morally and physically,” he said.
Acknowledging the logistical challenges, he expressed gratitude to international partners while highlighting delays in military support. “Sometimes it takes six months from the moment aid is promised to when it actually arrives. Sometimes, the equipment we receive is in poor condition and needs repair. This impacts morale,” he explained.
Zelenskyy also reflected on the values that sustain him: “The most important discoveries I’ve made during this war are about appreciating simple things. Your family, your loved ones—they are your strength. Protecting them is about defending the right to choose how you live.”
The Future of Ukraine
Looking ahead, Zelenskyy expressed confidence in Ukraine’s ability to rebuild after the war. “Reconstruction is not just about infrastructure but also psychological rebuilding. Families must reunite and heal. The state has a role to support families who have lost their loved ones and ensure they can rebuild their lives,” he said.
He concluded with hope for normalcy: “I dream of simple things: seeing a film with my family, going to the cinema. These small joys of life—that is what we fight for.”
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