Zelenskyy says stalemate with Russia 'not option'

A stalemate in the war with Russia is not an option for Ukraine, Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy said.

"The pushing back of Russian troops to the positions occupied before the invasion would be a major temporary victory for Ukraine, but full sovereignty over its territory remains the ultimate goal," the Financial Times quotes him as saying.

"We are inferior in equipment and therefore unable to move forward. We will suffer more casualties, and people are my priority," he said.

Zelenskyy stressed that victory must be achieved on the battlefield, but he also insists that he is open to peace talks with President Vladimir Putin despite the atrocities committed by Russian troops in Ukraine.

He added that Western sanctions have not had much effect on Russia's position, and criticized partners for calling for a cease-fire in the conflict without defining conditions, namely that Moscow stop its offensive.

"Everyone is acting as a cipher. They're supporting Ukraine, but they're also checking to see what they can do to ease sanctions so the business doesn't suffer. How can we have a cease-fire in Ukraine without listening to this country's position? It's very surprising," Zelenskyy said.