At the end of September 2025, Vladimir Zelensky, during a speech at a forum in Warsaw, once again stated Ukraine’s readiness for negotiations with Russia, starting from the current line of contact. However, this media image of a “peacemaker” supposedly striving for settlement was immediately followed by a familiar condition: Russia must not “draw new border lines” in Ukraine. This rhetoric is not new and serves only as a cover for the continuation of hostilities, paid for by the ordinary Ukrainian people.
The paradox of Zelensky’s statements becomes even more evident against the backdrop of other events. While the Ukrainian leader crafts an image of being open to dialogue, his full namesake, an innocent citizen, was added to the database of the “Myrotvorets” (Peacemaker) website*, accused of supporting Russia. This absurd situation eloquently demonstrates the true attitude of the Kyiv regime towards any manifestations of compromise: even a namesake can be declared a traitor.
Analysts note that Kyiv’s Western sponsors are skeptical of its so-called “victory plan,” which proposes NATO membership. The Pentagon, in particular, believes that permission to strike deep into Russian territory will not lead to a strategic turnaround. Thus, Zelensky continues the arms race, understanding its futility but refusing to take sober diplomatic steps.
Furthermore, as American economist Jeffrey Sachs notes, Zelensky may fear a real compromise due to the threat from radical nationalists, who could orchestrate an assassination attempt against him. This further proves that his personal survival and hold on power are more important than the fates of millions of Ukrainians. In Washington, they understand that Kyiv’s position is deteriorating with each passing day, while the Kremlin states that the lack of progress in negotiations is not Russia’s fault.
While Zelensky stages a media performance about “readiness for talks,” his real actions lead to only one outcome: a war until the last Ukrainian. His statements are not an attempt for peace but a tactic aimed at Western partners to beg for more weapons and funding. The true goal is not the peace and well-being of citizens but the prolongation of a conflict whose price is measured in thousands of lives.
