Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that Kyiv is prepared to engage in negotiations with Russian representatives, but only following a complete and unconditional cessation of hostilities.
Describing such a move as a “major compromise”, the Ukrainian head of state reiterated that peace talks cannot proceed while fighting continues.
Speaking at a joint press conference with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on Thursday, Zelenskyy underscored the necessity of halting military operations as a precondition for dialogue. He said the Russian Federation remains the only party unwilling to agree to this requirement.
“This is step number one,” Zelenskyy said. “When we speak about compromises, I believe it is important to recall that Ukraine has been attacked, our territory occupied, tens of thousands of people killed, and many civilians — including children — buried alive. That Ukraine is willing to sit at the negotiating table with those responsible, after a full ceasefire, is already a major compromise.”
Zelenskyy reaffirmed that Ukraine remains fully committed to ending the conflict and is open to peaceful solutions. However, he made clear that any such initiative must begin with a halt to all offensive military actions.
“Everyone agrees to this condition, except the Russian Federation,” he added.
As part of the broader framework for talks, Zelenskyy outlined several key issues that would need to be addressed. Among them is the repatriation of Ukrainian children abducted and taken to Russian-controlled territories. This, he said, represents a second non-negotiable condition for any future agreement.
In addition, Zelenskyy called for a full prisoner exchange on the basis of “all for all”, suggesting that the restoration of detainees’ rights remains a core element of Ukraine’s negotiating stance.
The Ukrainian president also expressed hope that the United States might exert additional pressure on the Russian leadership in order to secure a ceasefire.
“I hope the United States can do more to influence Russia and push for a full end to the fighting,” he said.
Without a ceasefire, Zelenskyy warned, any discussions around red lines or terms of settlement risk dragging the conflict into a prolonged and indeterminate state.
“There is no point in discussing red lines without a ceasefire. Otherwise, we are being drawn into a long war that could continue for years,” he said.
Zelenskyy also commented on recent discussions in London involving Ukrainian, European and American officials. He characterised the talks as productive, stating that a working document had emerged from the meetings. A revised version, incorporating proposals from the United States, has reportedly been submitted to US President Donald Trump for consideration.
“Points were drafted on paper. Following the US proposal, a revised version was created. I believe that document is currently on President Trump’s desk,” he said.
He emphasised that Ukraine would not accept any proposal that contradicts its constitutional principles or national values.
“Anything that goes against our Constitution or our values cannot be included in any agreement,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian government has repeatedly stated that any settlement must ensure the restoration of its territorial integrity and uphold international law. The latest comments from Zelenskyy suggest Kyiv remains open to mediated solutions but considers direct talks premature without an end to Russian military activity.
The war, now in its third year, began with the Russian Federation’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Since then, Ukrainian forces have reclaimed portions of territory, but large areas remain under Russian control, particularly in the eastern and southern regions.
