Zelenskyy: Peace is better than war, but not at any cost
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed a recent comment by Servant of the People faction leader David Arakhamia, who spoke of a "bad" peace deal or the lack of one, emphasizing that peace is preferable to war, but not at any cost, during a media briefing alongside Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro in Kyiv.
A Portuguese journalist recalled Arakhamia's recent comment that a good deal to end the war with Russia does not exist, claiming there is either a bad deal or no deal at all. Responding to a question on the topic, Zelenskyy said:
"I am not very familiar with what you are saying about the quotes from famous diplomats. You mentioned that a deal could be bad or very bad, or might not exist at all. Peace is better than war, but not at any cost, because we have already paid a high price," he said.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine needs a just and durable peace — one that cannot be violated by another decision of Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin or "another Putin."
He stressed the importance of strong security guarantees to prevent "even the thought or physical possibility" of renewed aggression against Ukraine.
"So it's not just about a deal being good or bad. The question is for whom. What he meant, for whom it is good, for whom it is bad — I don't want to characterize it, honestly," he added, commenting on Arakhamia's statement.
Zelenskyy noted that a peace deal might not exist, and as of today, there is none. A deal, he explained, only exists when it stops the war, not just when it is on paper and signed by leaders.
Zelenskyy cited the Budapest Memorandum as an example, adding that, in his view, "it was just a piece of paper." He said that to have a real deal this time, additional steps are required.
"Why? Because of aggression. Our territories were occupied, and many people died. That deal did not protect us. I do not consider it strong or effective. For me, a deal is not just about signing. There are many aspects. Several arrangements, several documents, security guarantees from the United States and Europeans, approved and supported by Congress," Zelenskyy said.
He also stressed the need to know what will happen if Russia launches aggression again, particularly how the United States and Europe would respond.
"It is already clear how Ukrainians will respond. How will our partners respond? What deterrence package will Ukraine have? What will be present on Ukrainian territory?" he concluded.
US peace plan and security guarantees
Ukraine, the United States, and Europe have been finalizing a new American peace plan for a month. Initially, it favored Russia, but revisions have gradually made it more acceptable to Kyiv.
Media reports indicate progress on all issues, but three remain most critical: territories, security guarantees, and postwar reconstruction.
Following talks between Ukrainian and American officials, rumors also emerged that the United States could offer Ukraine security guarantees comparable to Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty. However, Zelenskyy has previously said he wants US security guarantees for Ukraine to be approved by Congress.
According to Politico, such a US proposal would remain on the table for only "a matter of days." If Ukraine does not agree in the near term, subsequent offers could be less favorable.
