The Ukrainian president is beginning to realise that with the fall of the U.S. Democrats, his last lifeline has also been lost.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that ending the war in Ukraine this year is „entirely possible under certain conditions.” These conditions include security guarantees for Ukraine and stricter sanctions against Russia, Zelensky stated in an interview with ITV News, excerpts of which were published by Ukrainian media.

„In fact, every year, we have wished for our Western partners to find the strength to force Vladimir Putin to end the war,”

said the Ukrainian president. He added that there is in deed a very high likelihood of the war ending, especially with the help of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Zelensky on Peace Talks: “Ready for Any Format – If the West Stays”:

In an ITV News interview, Zelensky says war could end in 2025 but insists Ukraine must ensure Russia never returns with war. But how will talks happen if Moscow doesn’t recognize him? #Ukraine #Russia pic.twitter.com/CCF8ipSHxL

— Cyrus (@Cyrus_In_The_X) February 9, 2025

„In my opinion, Trump wants to end the war quickly,” Zelensky said. „But whether it happens quickly or not, we don’t know how it will end. What we do know is that we must remain strong.” Experts, however, argue that while Trump may be strong, the United States must act decisively in alliance with Europe.

🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/AF1cPGMS0p

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 9, 2025

Zelensky believes that Western sanctions have dealt a significant blow to Russia’s economy. However, Moscow has found ways to adapt, as there are „always loopholes,” he noted. He cited Russia’s shadow fleet, which bypasses the oil export ban, as an example. The Ukrainian president called for even tougher sanctions, arguing that Russia could collapse under their weight. „Everyone sees it, everyone understands it, but not everyone is acting on it,” he stated.

Contradictory statements

Just a day earlier, Zelensky accused Putin of preparing for continued warfare through military buildup. „We now know that the Russians are forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities,” Zelensky said in Kyiv.

Intelligence reports confirm that Russia is forming new divisions and developing new military production facilities.

Their cooperation with North Korea will continue to expand. Moscow is also spreading modern warfare technologies to the region, particularly drone technologies.… pic.twitter.com/2r5Uw4IdGQ

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 8, 2025

„Putin is not preparing for negotiations, or for peace, but for continuing the war—not just against us. Everyone needs to be aware of this,” Zelensky warned in a video address. He added that all European countries must strengthen their defenses. According to him, the goal should be to allocate 5% of their economic output to defense spending, and this issue „will not disappear from the agenda.”