The international delegation, headed by Ana Lucía Bueno, ICRC Public Health Coordinator, and Sujit Panda, Head of the Physical Rehabilitation…
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed Ukrainians on the occasion of the New Year.
Dear Ukrainians, dear Ukrainian women and men!
In just a few minutes, a new year will begin. And I would give everything, everything in the world, if in this address I could say that peace will also come in a few minutes. Unfortunately, I cannot yet say that. But with a clear conscience, I — and all of us — can say that Ukraine is definitely doing everything for peace. And continues to do so.
I returned to Kyiv yesterday at 6 a.m. Our team spent almost 50 hours on the road. A peace agreement is 90 percent ready. Ten percent remain. And this is much more than… than just numbers. These are ten percent that, in fact, contain everything. These are the ten percent that will determine the fate of peace, the fate of Ukraine and Europe, how people will live. Ten percent to save millions of lives. Ten percent of determination needed for peace to work at one hundred percent. Ten percent of the much-needed unity and wisdom — Ukrainian, American, European, of the whole world. Ten percent to peace.
I want all of us to be on the same wavelength right now, to understand reality in the same way, to be armed — and not only on the battlefield — but armed with the truth. About who really wants what. What Ukraine wants. What America wants. What Russia wants. What Europe and the entire world want.
Let us start with the most important thing. What does Ukraine want? Peace? Yes. At any cost? No. We want the end of the war, but not the end of Ukraine. Are we tired? Very much so. Does that mean we are ready to surrender? Anyone who thinks so is deeply mistaken. And clearly, over all these years, has never understood who Ukrainians are. A nation that has held on for 1,407 days of a full-scale war. Just comprehend these numbers. That is longer than the Nazi occupation of many of our cities during World War II. 1,407 days of an unconquered Ukraine. One that virtually spends every night in shelters, every day in struggle. Often without electricity. Often without sleep. And many days on the front lines — many. But always without panic, without chaos, without discord, in unity — to achieve peace.
Do we want the war to end? Absolutely.
Why has it not ended yet? The answer is right next to our state.
Can Russia end the war? Yes.
Does it want to? No.
Can the world force it to do so? Yes — and only this way will it work.
Why does the world not do this to the fullest extent? Let us figure it out. Step by step. Honestly. Just as it is. Our people know this best.
Russia does not end its wars on its own. There has never been a war in history that Russia ended of its own free will. Only pressure from others, only coercion by others — which they themselves call a “gesture of goodwill.”
That has been the case in all the years when Russia fought someone — that is, throughout its entire existence.
This can be confirmed by everyone whom Moscow attacked at various times: Poland, Turkey, Finland, Syria, Georgia, Abkhazia, Ossetia, Chechnya — and this list could be continued endlessly, because almost the entire territory of Russia was assembled through wars. This is who we are dealing with. We — Ukraine, Europe, America, the entire world.
“Leave Donbas, and everything will be over.” That is what deception sounds like when translated from Russian. Translated into Ukrainian, English, German, French — and, in fact, any language in the world. Do people really still believe them? Unfortunately, yes. Because too often the truth is avoided and called diplomacy, when in fact it is simply lies in suits.
That is why there is pressure on Ukraine. Yes. And that is why we fight as we do. And why we prove truths that should have been obvious long ago: after the occupation of Crimea, the seizure of parts of Donetsk and Luhansk regions, the full-scale invasion on February 24, after Bucha, Mariupol, Olenivka, and everything the Kremlin has been doing all this time, believing their word is simply a death sentence. A death sentence for collective international security. And for every leader whose duty is simply to protect their people.
Have our arguments been heard? We very much hope so.
Have they been fully accepted? Not yet. Not completely.
That is precisely why we are still talking about 90 percent, not 100 percent, readiness of a peace agreement.
Intentions must become security guarantees. And therefore — be ratified. By the U.S. Congress, European parliaments, all partners. The Budapest Memorandum paper will not suit Ukraine. The meticulously crafted Minsk trap is not what Ukraine needs. Signatures under weak agreements only fuel war. My signature will be under a strong agreement. And that is exactly what every meeting, every call, every decision is about right now.
To ensure strong peace for everyone. Not for a day, a week, or two months — peace for years.
Only then will it be real success. For Ukraine, America, Europe — in fact, for every nation that wants to live, not fight.
I told this to President Trump. I said it during our first meeting, when everything could have ended in a storm for all of us, and during our recent meeting, which gives hope to all of us. I hope that peace is near — that it is more possible than ever. And that we are capable of ensuring it together.
I will be honest: it was not easy at all to achieve such a change in the tone of relations between Ukraine and the United States. From the first Oval Office meeting with all its “sharp corners” to the conversation in Mar-a-Lago, which confirmed one fact: nothing will work without Ukraine. Ukraine defended its right to a voice, and everyone sees that Ukraine respects itself — and therefore, they respect us, they respect Ukraine.
And the most obvious proof of this is the seven meetings I had this year with the President of the United States. And wherever in the world we met — Washington, New York, The Hague, the Vatican — the U.S. President always mentions our people, speaks about how bravely Ukrainians fight. And for the whole world, such mention of Ukrainians has become mandatory. And that is happiness — happiness to hear this, pride — to be the President of such a people.
And of such a state. One that has stood firm and reaches any enemy military facility and oil refinery, brings the war back to Russia, teaches NATO militaries what modern drones are. One that delivers an asymmetric slap to Russia and forces Putin to lie that he captured Kupiansk three times and personally shot down drones near his residence. Ukraine has mature foresight, has its own long-range capability, and therefore has arguments. Has wisdom, dignity, and is ready for compromise — but not for shame.
I thank every leader who supports Ukraine in this. Who understands the most important thing: today there are only two options — only two — either the world stops Russia’s war, or Russia drags the world into its war. And it is shocking — shocking that after so many wars, after four years of such a war, a war in Ukraine, in Europe, this still needs to be explained to many.
We explain it. We repeat it. Leaders even change — but the questions remain the same.
Can America stop the aggressor very quickly and decisively? Absolutely.
Would we like that? Very much.
When is it possible? Always.
When is it needed? It was needed yesterday.
And in 2026 it is possible. Sanctions exist — and we are grateful. Sanctions hurt Russia, but only a dead grip will work. Russian oil is already cheaper, but their tankers must stop completely for the war to stop. Russian factories are already slowing down, but they must stand still so that the occupier cannot move. And “Tomahawks” in Ukrainian hands would truly prove only one thing: peace has no alternative. Peace must be achieved. Support must continue. A strong agreement must exist. Then everything will work.
Does Europe understand this? Yes.
Does all of Europe understand this? No.
And I do not want such understanding to come to all of Europe one day at four in the morning — as it did in Ukraine. I do not want that understanding to be brought to Europeans by equipment marked with the letter “Z” on their streets. And when Putin says, “We are not going to attack you,” that is the first warning bell of exactly where his tanks will go and his drones will fly.
Today we have every right to say: Ukraine is truly the only shield that separates comfortable European life from the “Russian world.” And most leaders do not question why Ukraine must be supported — because if, God forbid, Ukraine falls, the next questions will be: why support Poland, who will fight for the Baltic states, and what to do without Ukraine in NATO?
Ukraine needs Europe, and Europe needs Ukraine. We feel this like never before. When after meetings in the United States we now call our partners, Europeans do not sleep, everyone worries, everyone stays in touch. We consult with Emmanuel, the President of France, on what to do next. On the road to Kyiv, we speak with the German Chancellor, and Friedrich says: “Air defense will be provided.” We talk with Keir Starmer that we need to meet immediately after the New Year, no pauses, to form a Coalition of the Willing, to push through all documents, not lose America, and push Russia.
And how absolutely right Giorgia Meloni is when she says: look, the agreement documents must be correct; peace must be such that Ukrainians accept it. Ukrainians must approve this peace. Because if everything is unfair, and the peace is fragile, and Moscow attacks again, she says, she does not want disappointed people in Ukraine burning portraits of European and American leaders in city squares.
These words — that peace must be achieved and must be dignified — are supported by everyone who truly does a great deal for Ukraine: the Netherlands and Sweden, Norway and Poland. And the Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette, who always says: we are doing too little for Ukraine; we must do more, because this is for the defense of all Europe. Spain, which stands with us. The Vatican. The Phanar with their diplomacy and prayers. Czechia, Romania, Greece, President Erdoğan, all European Union countries.
And this morning, the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, called me. We speak every day. And after our important conversations, he always tells me at the end: “My friend, do not forget to train, because you must be strong, Ukrainians must be strong. We believe in you. We all need you.”
This communication with European leaders, this warmth and spirit of partnership, means that Ukraine is already part of the European family, and all negotiation clusters between us have long been open. Such unity gives hope. This unity between Ukraine and Europe is proven. We have secured $100 billion in support. This is much more than just aid for two years. This is the resilience of our army, calm for our people, money, salaries, pensions. Yes — this is life. And it is justice that, ultimately, Russia pays for this.
Such unity and concern for Ukraine extend far beyond the continent. We feel it in Japan, Australia, Canada. I sincerely thank everyone in the world who is on the bright side of history, on Ukraine’s side, and does everything so that Ukraine can achieve its goal, push forward, and force peace.
Dear people!
In a moment — the New Year. Millions of us are waiting for it. And we will have the New Year no matter what, because that is who we are, Ukrainians. We will come up with something, we will prepare. It will be beautiful. It will be tasty. There will be a glass of champagne. Maybe something stronger for some. And there will be a toast. Very important words. One toast for all. For millions of Ukrainians.
To our warriors who are now at the zero line. To everyone who gave their life for Ukraine. To all who save us and train us every day. To all who are on duty — even tonight. Firefighters, doctors, energy workers. To those who returned from captivity and will celebrate this New Year at home. To all whom we are waiting for. To all who help us. To the end of this war. To peace coming. To the enemy failing at everything. And they will fail as long as we fight like this, as long as we stand like this. As long as we are Ukrainians.
Russia will be forced to end the war as soon as it finds one more reason for peace than for war. That is why we often say to each other what our guys at the front say: all we need is to hold on one day longer than they do. And today we add: to be one step ahead, one hour faster, one decision braver. Even by one tenth — but better. By those ten percent I mentioned at the beginning — ten percent stronger. And then we will win peace one hundred percent. I wish this for all of us.
Dear Ukrainians!
The year 2025 is coming to an end. Around us is real winter. And something we have not seen for a long time — snow on New Year’s Eve. All children — and, honestly, adults too — waited for this. And it gives a strong feeling: if we really, really want something, sooner or later it happens.
Above all, we want peace. But unlike New Year’s snow, peace will not simply fall from the sky as a miracle. We believe in peace, fight for it, work for it — and will continue to do so. Because we want 2026 to be quiet in the sky and calm on the ground, warm and bright in our homes. Not 170, but all 220 — as it should be. So that all our people return home. From the front, from captivity, from occupation. So that we exist. So that Ukraine exists.
Happy New Year, dear people!
Glory to Ukraine!
