Zelenskyy: Ceasefire possible with weapon guarantees, talks with Trump in January

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has outlined the conditions under which his country would agree to a ceasefire, emphasizing the need for weapon guarantees to deter future Russian aggression.

In an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman, Zelenskyy signalled readiness for negotiations with the United States and European nations, potentially involving former US President Donald Trump, by the end of January, Caliber.Az reports 

He also stated that Ukraine would not lay down arms without assurances of continued military support. "If the ceasefire holds, no one is going to use these weapons. But they must remain, not like before – with all due respect to the United States," he said.

Zelenskyy underscored the importance of avoiding a repeat of delays in Western arms deliveries, which he said hampered Ukraine’s ability to respond at the start of the conflict. He also highlighted that NATO membership would strengthen Ukraine’s security, adding that "the alliance could operate on territories controlled by Ukraine," a point he described as "negotiable."

Turning to the prospect of peace talks, Zelenskyy expressed willingness to engage with global leaders to find a resolution to the ongoing war. Fridman floated January 25 as a possible date for discussions, to which Zelenskyy responded positively.

"I think January 25 or any other day – you’re just mentioning January 25, and I don’t mind – we will sit down first and foremost with the elected President of the United States, Donald Trump," he said.

The Ukrainian leader noted that discussions would also involve European nations, stressing the need for Europe’s voice in any agreement.

"We are part of Europe, and it is very important for us that Europe also has a voice," he added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev