Tomahawk, Donbas and the possible end of the war: Zelensky’s main theses from the press conference
Фото: Reuters
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented in detail on the possibility of a meeting with Putin, the transfer of Tomahawk missiles, and the prospects for ending the war. He also outlined his position on Donbas, sanctions, and energy agreements.
He said this at a meeting with journalists.
Possibility of meeting with Putin in Budapest
“We are ready to meet in any format that works,” the President said.
He added that the main thing is the result, and he does not consider Budapest the best venue for such a meeting. Zelensky listed other possible options: Switzerland, Austria, the Vatican, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Turkey.
He also expressed doubts about the role of the current Prime Minister of Hungary in mediation. At the same time, the head of state noted that he would agree to the shuttle diplomacy format if there was a corresponding invitation.
Why does Russia need Donbas?
Zelensky emphasized that first there was the occupation, and only then the so-called “referendum.”
“Ten years passed between the beginning of the occupation and the so-called ‘referendum,’” he emphasized.
The president expressed the view that Putin needs the administrative borders of Donbas as an indicator of “victory”, not for a real reconstruction project. He also noted the risk that Russia could move on in a few years, and therefore security guarantees for Ukraine are a priority.
How can Ukraine get Tomahawk?
Zelensky stated that the United States has such missiles, and that the decision to provide Tomahawks could scare the “Russians.”
He noted that long-range missiles play an important role in combined operations, but the majority is domestically produced drones and missiles.
The President added that we do not yet have technologies at the level of Tomahawk, so cooperation and production with partners are necessary. He also emphasized that Ukraine is ready to sell its own drones and cooperate with American industry.
Why won’t Ukraine prepare an offensive after the war ends?
Zelensky denied claims that Ukraine would prepare an offensive after the ceasefire. He explained that with strong security guarantees in place, there is no logic in violating those guarantees.
The President cited the example of South Korea, which developed with security guarantees, and emphasized the importance of reliable guarantees.
Some friendly countries support Ukraine only in words
The President reported that Ukraine is purchasing weapons through the PURL program and that not all friendly countries have joined this initiative.
He noted that some allies have started paying money under the program for the second time, but not all have joined immediately.
How do sanctions against Russia work?
Zelensky gave assessments of Russia’s financial condition and emphasized its growing problems.
“We already believe that next year Russia will have a significant deficit – almost a hundred billion dollars,” the President said.
He recalled that the previous estimate was seventy-one billion, but the situation had worsened.
What is the difference between Zelensky and Putin?
The president drew a distinction in approaches to governing the country. He noted that Putin “works with the United States of America, having great economic offers, having the resources of a country that does not belong to him, but he uses it as his private property.”
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine will not engage in “selling out” the state.
What will happen to gas and energy?
Zelensky reported positive agreements with Slovakia and the United States on gas sources. He said that Ukraine understands where to get gas worth about two billion US dollars, if needed.
Some of the tranches have already been found; Norway has provided a grant of one hundred million US dollars and is planning another tranche in January. The President also gave examples of energy projects: a possible LNG terminal in Odessa with the participation of American companies, subject to agreements with Turkey on the Bosphorus; nuclear projects with the possibility of building an additional nine units in cooperation with the Americans; as well as interest in the oil component through the Odesa-Brody pipeline.
Ukraine is closer to a possible end to the war
Zelensky said that “we are close to a possible end to the war,” but clarified that this is not a guarantee of an end. He noted that this wave is influenced by international mood and actions, including steps related to Tomahawk missiles, which are pressuring Russia.
The President also noted that there is a desire in the world “to now throw all our forces and end Russia’s war against Ukraine,” and that Ukraine is taking steps in this direction.
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was ready to travel to Budapest to participate in potential talks between US President Donald Trump and Russian dictator Vladimir Putin. The day before, Zelensky said Ukraine would not make any concessions to Russia and would continue to strengthen cooperation with international partners in the defense and energy sectors.
Recall that on Friday, October 17, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a more than two-hour meeting with US President Donald Trump at the White House . The leaders discussed security guarantees for Ukraine, the supply of weapons, including Tomahawk missiles, and the prospects for ending the war.
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