Zelenskyy reveals conditions for a deal to end Russia's war against Ukraine

During the interview, the host asked Zelenskyy whether he would be willing to make a deal if he had the opportunity to do so today. The president replied, "Yes, I will do it."

When asked what such a deal would require and whether he would agree to an agreement that theoretically meant giving up 25% of Ukraine's territory, Zelenskyy pushed back. He stressed that Russia had occupied less territory and that the 25% figure would mean Ukraine withdrawing from Donbas.

"They didn't occupy 25% of our territory. When somebody speaks about 25%, that means we have to leave by ourselves from all the Donbas. And it will mean, yes, they will control 25%. Now, they control 19.3%," the Ukrainian leader said.

The journalist then asked whether Zelenskyy would agree to a deal on those specific terms. The president responded that he was ready to end the war along the current front line.

"Well, we are ready to stop this war as quickly as possible ... Freeze on the contact line," he said, adding that Ukraine would not accept proposals to make temporarily occupied territories part of Russia, apparently referring to their legal status.

The interview also addressed restrictions on Starlink speeds, a shortage of Patriot missiles, and a temporary lack of intelligence on ballistic threats.

Zelenskyy said that Starshield speeds remained restricted and that Ukraine had received just 24 Patriot missiles from its strategic partner over the past 90 days. Asked whether the United States had prevented Europe from sending missiles to Ukraine, Zelenskyy clarified that Washington had not signed the agreement.

Against this backdrop, he stressed that Ukraine could not afford to have a weak president right now, adding that he would respond to any pressure and might not always be particularly polite.

"I have to be strong. Ukraine cannot have a weak president now. Maybe after the war any kind of...absolutely it's a choice of people. But for today, if Ukraine wants to survive, Ukraine needs a strong army, a strong president, and a strong people ... That's why any pressure on me... of course I will answer. Otherwise, they will eat us, I mean Russians. It's easier for Russia because we are smaller ... But it's not simple with the people of Ukraine. That's why I am not very polite sometimes," Zelenskyy said.

The president was also asked whether he felt betrayed by the United States amid recent developments. He said he felt that support was lacking.

Asked what had gone wrong in his relationship with US President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy said that being "friends" with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin was Trump's personal decision. He suggested that the US and Russian leaders had a "pretty good relationship."

Prospects for ending the war

Earlier, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that resolving the issue of Donbas was the only thing that could bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine. He stressed that both sides would have to make concessions.

We also reported that US President Donald Trump expressed hope that the war in Ukraine was nearing its end. Moreover, he considered imposing tariffs on both Ukraine and Russia if no peace deal was reached.

We also reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that trilateral peace talks involving Ukraine, the United States, and Russia would take place in the first half of November.