Zelensky confirms Kyiv's readiness for ceasefire along current front line

Response to key question from American journalist

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated his readiness to agree to a peace deal that would involve freezing hostilities along the current line of contact. The head of state outlined this position during an interview with the American television channel Fox News.

During the broadcast, journalist Brian Kilmeade posed a specific question to the Ukrainian leader. He asked whether Zelensky would accept a ceasefire agreement at current positions if, under such a deal, Ukraine retained control over at least 75% of its territory.

"Would you agree to a peace deal with a freeze at the current front line, on the condition that you retain at least 75% of the country? Would you accept such terms right now?" — the host clarified. To this, the President of Ukraine gave a short but unambiguous answer: "Yes".

Minimal step and the need for guarantees

Zelensky explained that stopping the shooting at existing positions could become a realistic path to exiting the war. In his words, the priority task is to stop losses among people and fire damage. Only after achieving this stage can the parties move on to the next steps of the peace process.

The head of state emphasised that a ceasefire along the current front line is the minimal step that Ukraine expects from Russia. At the same time, Zelensky underlined the critical importance of receiving security guarantees from the United States and European partners. It is these guarantees that must ensure the stability of any possible agreements.

Distinguishing between freezing the front and renouncing territories

It is important to distinguish between the actual freezing of hostilities and the legal recognition of occupied territories as part of Russia. The president's positive response to the scenario proposed by the journalist does not imply automatic consent to territorial concessions. It concerns fixing the current state of the front.

The implementation of such an option depends not only on Kyiv's position but also on Moscow's readiness to stop hostilities. Since Russia previously put forward demands regarding Ukrainian lands, the question remains open as to whether the Kremlin would agree to freeze the war without additional concessions from Ukraine.

It is not excluded that Zelensky's position also carries diplomatic significance, demonstrating to international partners Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire. At the same time, there is no reason to assert that the president agreed to such a scenario solely due to the conviction in Volodymyr Putin's refusal, as Zelensky himself did not name this motive.

Thus, the Ukrainian leader publicly acknowledged the possibility of stopping the war at current positions. However, the final terms of a potential peace deal remain a subject of negotiations. The key factors for success remain Russia's position, the presence of security guarantees for Ukraine, and mechanisms for monitoring compliance with the ceasefire.