Zelenskyy's remarks at the Ukrainian Youth Forum
At the Ukrainian Youth Forum, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian President Vladimir Putin has no desire to end the war but will eventually be compelled to do so. The Ukrainian leader said there is a shared strategy for ending the conflict that relies on three pillars: sustained pressure from international partners, holding the frontline, and pushing the fighting back onto Russian territory. He described holding the front as essential for any meaningful dialogue with the enemy, warning that a weak position on the battlefield could force Ukraine into unacceptable compromises.
Appeal to international partners
Zelenskyy also called on Ukraine's allies to step up support, in particular air defense systems. He stressed that retaliatory strikes are one of the missions assigned to Ukraine's defense forces. The president said the war must be brought back to Russia so that Russian society experiences its consequences and begins pressing the leadership for change.
"We need to bring the war back to Russia. After that, Russian society will feel the effects of this war and put pressure on the authorities," Zelenskyy said.
In addition, Zelenskyy mentioned that Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner could visit Kyiv within the next two weeks. Citing media reports, he said this might be the first trip by these American politicians to the Ukrainian capital during the events marking the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. He also said the Ukrainian and U.S. teams are in constant contact, a sign that cooperation on security and defense matters continues.
Zelenskyy's comments underscore how crucial foreign support has become for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict. The comments reinforce Kyiv's core argument that Moscow must feel real costs before it agrees to peace. By linking battlefield conditions to the prospects for negotiation, he signaled that Ukraine's ability to stand firm at the front will shape any future diplomatic process. Analysts see the potential visit by American officials as a signal of continued U.S. commitment to Ukraine's efforts to restore territorial integrity and maintain regional security.
As the situation evolves, the potential for renewed dialogue emerges, with Washington exploring avenues to restart peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. This development highlights the complex dynamics at play and underscores the importance of international involvement in reaching a resolution.