Zelensky says deal to end Ukraine war ‘10%’ away as Putin pushes for victory
Ukraine’s leader says the final stretch of negotiations will determine the ‘fate of Europe’ as Moscow toughens its stance
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday his country was “10 per cent” away from a deal to end the war with Russia, but cautioned that the most important issues were unresolved and warned against rewarding Moscow.
US-led efforts to end Europe’s deadliest conflict since World War II have gained pace in recent weeks, but both sides remain at odds over the key issue of territory in a post-war settlement.
Russia, which occupies around 20 per cent of Ukraine, is pushing for full control of the country’s eastern Donbas region as part of a deal – but Kyiv has warned ceding ground will embolden Moscow.
In his New Year’s Eve address, Zelensky said his country wanted an end to the war but not at “any cost”, and that any agreement needed strong security guarantees to deter Russia from invading again.
“The peace agreement is 90 per cent ready. Ten per cent remains. And that is far more than just numbers,” Zelensky said in the address, posted on his Telegram account.