Zelenskyy rejects "win-win" outcome in Russia-Ukraine war, calls for peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said the war with Russia can no longer produce a “win-win” outcome and that the priority should be ending the fighting to save lives, while arguing that some of Ukraine’s partners misunderstand Russian President Vladimir Putin’s objectives.

Speaking in an interview with CBC News, Zelenskyy said the focus should be on changing Putin’s approach to the war, rather than assuming that Moscow seeks only additional Ukrainian territory.

“The problem is that we have to change Putin's mind. He has the biggest territory in the world, and you need, I don't know, some kilometres. So for what? This is the answer. That's why it's very strange when some partners say, 'Look, he needs just this part of Ukraine, just these kilometres, and that's all.' No, it's a crazy idea. No, he doesn't need kilometres. He needs Ukraine. He needs Ukraine to be a part of Russia,” the president said.

Zelenskyy also rejected the idea that the war could end with an outcome that constitutes a victory for both Russia and Ukraine, pointing to the human cost of the conflict.

“Between us, to be honest, there is no win-win in this war. It can't be so because of so many human losses. It stopped being win-win on the first day of this war. The most important victory for everybody — it's not for Ukraine and Russia, it's for everybody, for the world — is peace, to stop this war. And this is a victory for human lives,” he said.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine remains in constant contact with the United States and that negotiations are continuing, with Washington taking various measures to support Kyiv.

He also argued that the United States should take stronger and more decisive action on sanctions to further restrict Russia’s ability to wage war. Ukraine has continued to press its partners for additional sanctions and economic pressure on Russia.

According to Zelenskyy, the US side has asked Ukraine not to disclose details of the negotiations publicly while the ideas under discussion are still being developed.

Preparations are now underway for a meeting between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump in New York, scheduled for the end of September. The two leaders have previously discussed both the diplomatic process and measures aimed at increasing pressure on Russia.

By Tamilla Hasanova