Zelenskyy Sets Clear Red Lines in New Year Address: ‘No Surrender, No Weak Peace Deal’

As the war in Ukraine entered another year, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a firm and emotionally charged New Year’s Eve address, laying down clear red lines for any potential peace agreement. While expressing a desire to end the war, Zelenskyy categorically rejected the idea of surrender or a fragile deal that could undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term security.

The speech came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin declared that Moscow remains confident of winning the conflict, signaling that neither side is prepared to soften its core position as diplomatic efforts intensify.

In a 21-minute televised address broadcast just before midnight, Zelenskyy acknowledged the immense toll nearly four years of war has taken on Ukrainian society. He noted that the duration of the conflict has already surpassed the period during which many Ukrainian cities were occupied by Nazi Germany during World War II. Despite this exhaustion, he stressed that Ukraine’s resolve remains unbroken.

“What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No,” Zelenskyy said, wearing a dark green embroidered Ukrainian shirt symbolic of national identity. “We want an end to the war, but not the end of Ukraine.”

Ukraine Rejects Any Notion of Surrender

Speaking directly to the Ukrainian people, Zelenskyy addressed concerns about fatigue and morale. “Are we tired? Extremely,” he admitted. “Does that mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken.”

The Ukrainian president warned that poorly constructed agreements would only prolong the conflict rather than resolve it. “Any signature placed on weak agreements only fuels the war,” he said, adding that only a strong and credible deal would carry his approval. “A solid agreement will bear my signature.”

Zelenskyy emphasized that all current diplomatic efforts are focused on achieving a durable peace. “That is what every meeting, every phone call, every decision is about now,” he said. “To ensure a strong peace—not for a day, not for a week, not for two months, but for years.”

According to Zelenskyy, weeks of intense US-led diplomacy have brought negotiations close to completion. He revealed that discussions, including recent talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida, have resulted in a framework that is “90 per cent ready.”

“That remaining 10 per cent contains everything,” he said. “It will decide the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine, and the fate of Europe.”

Territory Remains the Core Dispute

The most contentious unresolved issue remains territory. Roughly 19 per cent of Ukraine is currently under Russian occupation, primarily in the eastern and southern regions.

Moscow has demanded that Kyiv withdraw entirely from parts of the Donbas region that are not fully under Russian control. Ukraine, however, insists that any agreement must freeze the front lines where they currently stand.

Zelenskyy described Russia’s demands for a complete Ukrainian withdrawal from Donbas as “deception.” When asked whether such proposals were still being taken seriously by some actors, he responded bluntly: “Unfortunately, yes.”

“Too often, the truth is avoided and called diplomacy,” he said, “when in fact it is simply lies dressed up in business suits.”

Putin Reiterates Russia’s War Narrative

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin struck a familiar tone in his own New Year’s address, telling Russian troops and commanders that Moscow remains confident of ultimate victory in Ukraine.

“We believe in you and in our victory,” Putin said, addressing Russian forces fighting on the front lines as the war carried into the new year.

Putin largely avoided addressing recent international controversies, including Russia’s claim that Ukraine launched a drone attack on one of his residences—an allegation Kyiv has firmly denied. Instead, he focused his remarks on sustaining public support for the war effort.

December 31 also marked 26 years since Putin first assumed office, a milestone that underscored the longevity of his leadership amid one of the most consequential conflicts in modern European history.

Earlier, Russian authorities released footage of a crashed drone, claiming it was one of 91 Ukrainian drones allegedly involved in attacks on targets in northwest Russia. Ukrainian officials have dismissed these claims as fabricated.

As 2026 begins, Zelenskyy’s message leaves little room for ambiguity: Ukraine is prepared for peace, but only one that safeguards its independence, territory, and future—making clear that any deal perceived as weak or imposed will be rejected outright.