Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated support for an immediate ceasefire, stating that freezing the war in Ukraine along existing frontlines offers a realistic path toward ending hostilities. Speaking in an interview with Fox News, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine wants to bring the conflict to an end and pivot toward diplomatic solutions.
Proposal to Freeze Current Frontline Positions
When asked by the interviewer whether Kyiv would agree to a peace settlement in which Ukraine retains 75% of its territory while Russia maintains control over approximately 25% of occupied lands, Zelensky answered: “Yes, if we have to freeze the situation now. And I believe this is a realistic way to end the war.”
The Ukrainian president underscored that Russia has achieved no battlefield breakthroughs this year, arguing that Moscow is applying external pressure on Kyiv in an effort to push Ukrainian Defense Forces out of their positions.
“This is unfair. And of course, they carry out massive strikes using Iranian drones, ballistic missiles, and other weapons to create chaos in my country, but we stay strong. People are certainly tired; we want to end this war as soon as possible. But you know, no one can just live alone in their country, in their home. After all, these are our children. That is why we are talking about staying where we are. Let us move to diplomacy. It seems to me that the ceasefire idea put forward by the President of the United States is a great idea,” Zelensky remarked.
Oslo Talks and Diplomatic Outreach to Moscow
The remarks follow high-level diplomatic contacts on Tuesday, October 20, when a Ukrainian negotiating team led by Volodymyr Zelensky met in Oslo with special envoys representing Donald Trump. Following those discussions, the American envoys traveled to Moscow to present the new proposals to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking with journalists, special envoy Steve Witkoff reported constructive progress during the Oslo talks and expressed hope that trilateral negotiations involving Russia, the United States, and Ukraine would resume. Witkoff also stated that he carried documents to Moscow detailing strategic frameworks for resolving the war in Ukraine.
