War in Ukraine: Zelensky warns of the critical situation in the east and calls for a diplomatic solution by 2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reaffirmed his desire to end the conflict with Russia by 2025, giving priority to diplomatic solutions. In an interview with Ukrainian public radio, he stressed the importance of international support for negotiations. In his view, direct dialogue with Vladimir Putin under current conditions would be counter-productive, describing the Russian leader as a “murderer” and ruling out any compromise on the occupied territories.

An alarming situation on the eastern front

Zelensky described an intensification of fighting in eastern Ukraine, where the Russian army is advancing rapidly against struggling Ukrainian troops. The lack of reinforcements and equipment is slowing down resistance, despite the heavy loss of life inflicted on Russian forces. The Russian Ministry of Defense has announced the capture of two new villages in the Donetsk region, increasing the pressure on Kiev.

Concerns over international support

The Ukrainian president expressed concern about the change of leadership in the United States following the election of Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized American aid to Ukraine. Trump claimed he could resolve the conflict in “24 hours”, without providing details of his strategy.

The recent resumption of contact between German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Vladimir Putin has also provoked negative reactions from Kiev. Zelensky described the move as risky, believing that dialogue with the Kremlin could “open Pandora’s box”.

Despite these challenges, the Ukrainian president remains determined to fight on, calling on his Western allies to maintain their support for a just and lasting resolution to the conflict.