Typos

Zelensky: End of War Depends on Putin, Criticizes EU Delays

Published February 24, 2026, 09:17
Zelensky: End of War Depends on Putin, Criticizes EU Delays

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, stated that the end of the war depends on the pressure that the US and Europe will exert on Vladimir Putin to force him into genuine negotiations. He expressed his willingness to meet with the Russian President, but also criticized the European Union for the delays in Ukraine's accession process. Zelensky described the war as a "defeat of the aggressor," noting that Russia is trying to destroy Ukraine as an independent state, but has not succeeded. He argued that Ukraine is not losing the war and referred to recent military successes, such as the recovery of 300 square kilometers of territory in the Zaporizhzhia region. The Ukrainian President said he was open to talks regarding Russia's territorial claims, but stressed that territorial issues can only be decided between heads of state and government. He expressed hope that Putin would be persuaded to agree to a ceasefire. Additionally, Zelensky criticized the Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orbán, for his potential opposition to providing aid to Ukraine, and called on the EU to set a specific date for the start of accession negotiations.