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Zelenskyy: Putin holds '100 percent' of the initiative for war's end
🇩🇪 Germany /Conflict & Security

Zelenskyy: Putin holds '100 percent' of the initiative for war's end

From Die Zeit · () German

Translated from German, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia's President Vladimir Putin holds 100% of the decision-making power regarding the continuation of the war.
  • Zelenskyy noted that while Moscow has signaled potential talks, these have not materialized, and he believes Putin recognizes his troops are losing battlefield initiative.
  • The Ukrainian president requested additional air defense missiles from Britain and discussed protecting energy infrastructure and preparing for winter with European leaders.

Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that the ultimate decision on the war's progression rests entirely with Russian President Vladimir Putin. He observed that Moscow has repeatedly signaled intentions for talks, but these have consistently faded.

"One sometimes doesn't understand what the Russians really want," Zelenskyy told Sky News. He believes Putin is determined to "win this terrible war" but is increasingly aware that his forces are losing ground on the battlefield. Zelenskyy emphasized that all future decisions are "100 percent" dependent on Putin.

One sometimes doesn't understand what the Russians really want.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyExpressing uncertainty about Russia's intentions regarding the war.

Despite receiving fewer weapons from the United States over four years of conflict than were recently used in the Middle East, Ukraine remains capable of defense. "We have learned how to live and survive," Zelenskyy stated, adding, "We do not want to simply die silently."

Putin wants to 'win this terrible war,' but he is increasingly realizing that his troops are losing the initiative on the battlefield.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyAssessing Putin's current position and battlefield realities.

Regarding Ukraine's drone capabilities, Zelenskyy reported, "We have learned and produced in recent years. Now we are responding, specifically against military targets and energy facilities." He appealed to Britain for more air defense missiles.

During a meeting in London with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, French President Emmanuel Macron, and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, discussions also covered protecting Ukraine's energy infrastructure and preparing for the upcoming winter. The three European leaders urged Putin to implement an immediate ceasefire and begin negotiations based on the current front lines.

All decisions about what happens next depend 100 percent on him.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyStating Putin's complete control over the war's future.

Zelenskyy expressed openness to involving the U.S. and Europe in any potential talks with Russia. "But I am also ready for bilateral talks (with Putin)," he said, specifying that such discussions should not take place in Moscow, Kyiv, or Minsk.

We have learned how to live and survive. We do not want to simply die silently.

— Volodymyr ZelenskyyHighlighting Ukraine's resilience and determination to survive.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Die Zeit in German. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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