President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, Dec. 18, that Russian President Vladimir Putin has no genuine intention of ending the war against Ukraine, despite claims by US officials that Moscow may be ready for peace talks.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Zelensky commented on Putin’s latest remarks during a Wednesday meeting of Russia’s defense ministry board, where the Kremlin leader vowed to intensify offensives in Ukraine.
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“The signals that Putin is giving are absolutely not new to us. I have always said that he does not want to end the war. The question is whether he can continue it. This issue already depends on our partners, on their pressure, first of all sanctions and diplomacy,” Zelensky said.
At the same time, he noted that US officials see the situation differently.
“Now American colleagues claim that Putin is ready to end the war both in public and in a non-public format,” he said, adding that Ukraine supports US initiatives, although it does not agree with all elements of potential agreements.
“We have some differences on the territorial issue, financing, and frozen assets,” Zelensky said.
According to Zelensky, Russia’s economy would not be able to sustain the war at previous levels if sanctions are fully enforced.
“If Putin now slows down this diplomatic wave, and it is now the largest in recent times, then the US will put more pressure on them,” he added.
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Zelensky also said Ukraine and the US discussed reconstruction funding during talks in Berlin. While Washington has expressed readiness to help, he said details cannot be disclosed yet.
“Today we are talking about reparations money not only in the sense of reconstruction. If this is a war, then we need this money to support our army and our defense production,” Zelensky said, adding that if a plan to end the war is agreed, the funds would be fully directed toward rebuilding Ukraine.
He said around €200 billion ($234 billion) in frozen Russian assets remain in the European Union, calling the issue one of political will. Zelensky also noted that up to $5.5 billion in Russian assets are frozen in the US.
“Every penny is very important for us today,” he said.
Commenting on the Donbas, Zelensky said the US is currently seeking a compromise.
“We all know Russia’s position. They want to seize the total Donbas. And now they want us to leave Donbas. This is their open position. Our open position is that we are not ready for appropriate steps. And the US is looking for a compromise,” he said.
Zelensky added that discussions on a proposed 20-point plan, security guarantees, and reconstruction agreements will continue in the US, where Ukrainian and US teams are set to meet in the coming days.
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