Cyprus Times

Zelensky on Putin: 'He is my enemy but I would talk to him, I would ask him why he is fighting us'

Published December 30, 2025, 15:11
Zelensky on Putin: 'He is my enemy but I would talk to him, I would ask him why he is fighting us'

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated in an interview with Fox News that he would be willing to talk to Russian President Vladimir Putin, despite not trusting him. The purpose of the conversation would be to raise questions about territories and the reasons for the war, in order to avoid a third world conflict. Zelensky estimated that Putin seeks the complete occupation of Ukraine and expressed his desire to receive guarantees that this will not happen again. At the same time, Zelensky noted a standstill in the increase of the strength of the Russian armed forces, as the number of mobilized now equals the number of losses. This fact, according to the Ukrainian president, creates the prospect of ending the war in 2026, provided that Russia does not proceed with a new mobilization. However, he warned that Putin may choose to conscript again, making peace more difficult. The statement comes at a time of tension, as Russia has announced the conscription of 261,000 recruits in 2026. Overall, Zelensky's interview highlights his desire for a peaceful settlement, but also his reservations about Putin's intentions, as well as his assessment that the military situation in Ukraine is evolving for the better.