Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described halting fighting along the current front line as a realistic route towards ending the war with Russia, according to Euronews’ account of his interview with Fox News. The Ukrainian president also stressed that his country must take part directly in talks about its future and needs security guarantees against renewed aggression.
Speaking on Fox & Friends on 21 October, Zelenskyy was asked whether he could accept an agreement that would freeze the front at its current positions. According to Euronews’ report, he presented this as a possible step towards ending the fighting. His remarks do not mean that a ceasefire has been agreed or has come into force.
The Ukrainian leader said he was open to negotiations in any format, while insisting that Ukraine must participate directly in discussions concerning its future. His willingness to negotiate therefore came with a condition: Kyiv must have a role in decisions affecting the country.
Security guarantees from partners, including the United States and European allies, were another central element of his remarks. These would be intended to protect Ukraine against another attack. The report does not set out their detailed form or a timetable for putting them in place.
Halting fighting at current positions is distinct from settling territorial questions. The remarks reported by Euronews provide no basis for portraying Zelenskyy’s position as agreement to recognise border changes or relinquish Ukrainian territory. They concern a possible way to stop the fighting, rather than the terms of a final peace agreement.
