Zelensky Wants to “End” War with Russia in 2025
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reaffirmed on Wednesday his desire to obtain “security guarantees” from his Western allies that would allow for the “end” of the war with Russia within the current year. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky stated: “We want security guarantees this year because we want to end the war this year.”
Earlier on Wednesday, Zelensky criticized a U.S. proposal regarding Ukraine’s rare minerals, stating that it lacked security guarantees and was unfair to Kyiv. Speaking to journalists during his visit to Ankara, he commented on the U.S. offer, saying: “If we are to give something, we must receive something in return.”
He added that Ukraine does not want to become a raw materials hub for any continent and emphasized that this matter is not about friendship or partnerships. However, he made it clear that he does not want U.S. support to stop but rather hopes that President Donald Trump will stand more firmly with Ukraine.
Zelensky also criticized Ukraine’s exclusion from the ongoing negotiations between Russia and the U.S. concerning the war. He argued that since the war is taking place inside Ukraine—not in the U.S. or Europe—Kyiv should be involved in the discussions. “When they say, ‘These are our plans to end the war,’ it raises our concerns. Where are we? Where is Ukraine at this negotiation table? This war is happening inside Ukraine,” he stressed.
He reaffirmed that Ukraine seeks a just and lasting peace but emphasized that a ceasefire would be an important step toward ending the war. He also underscored the need to move forward “with countries that can truly provide us with security guarantees.”
Media reports previously indicated that the U.S. had proposed acquiring 50% of Ukraine’s rare minerals, including rare earth elements, titanium, uranium, lithium, and others.
