On October 20, the Center for Public Analytics "Veza" hosted a discussion with political scientist Volodymyr Fesenko following President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent high-profile statement. Zelensky said Ukraine may be nearing a possible end to the war with Russia. He emphasized that this was an aspiration, not a guarantee, underscoring the complexity of ongoing negotiations.
Zelensky told journalists that Ukraine will not surrender any territory or withdraw from Donbas. The issue of arms supplies was also addressed, specifically the lack of Tomahawk missiles; the topic remains unsettled. According to Fesenko, Trump reportedly ordered that the war be ended by Christmas, but peace cannot come by directive alone—it requires willingness to compromise from both sides.
Fesenko noted that Russia’s stance remains hardline, with the Kremlin demanding Ukrainian troops leave Donetsk region. He highlighted that a realistic path could be a ceasefire along the current front line, which would require US pressure on Putin, particularly in upcoming Budapest talks. Diplomacy is already intensifying, with possible resumption of negotiations in Istanbul and efforts to find conditions for stopping hostilities.
The discussion also covered complexities of the Zelensky-Trump talks, which the media reported as both tense and constructive. It was noted that statements from Western and Russian sources may be partly for informational or psychological effect. Ukraine counts on support from its partners but is not ready for concessions that might undermine its core positions.
Fesenko concluded that optimistic scenarios for war’s end remain unlikely at present, and the key is the Kremlin's position. The US and Trump may pressure both Kyiv and Moscow, but so far the West has no clear unified peace plan. There is a risk that Russia will seek to impose its own terms or introduce new proposals that would be unacceptable for Ukraine. Overall, the situation is contradictory and the further course depends on the willingness of the main parties to compromise.
