On February 5, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky gave an interview to the French TV channel France 2, highlighting key expectations for this year — the possibility of ending the war with Russia within 12 months. Zelensky also discussed the potential for an imminent prisoner exchange, ongoing negotiations in Abu Dhabi, and Ukraineʼs steadfast position on achieving a true end to the war.
The president emphasized the importance of international security guarantees, though noted that such assurances are becoming increasingly ambiguous. He stressed that Ukraine must primarily rely on itself. Zelensky also provided updated casualty figures, stating that 55,000 Ukrainian troops have died since the start of the full-scale war, with many still missing.
Meanwhile, European diplomatic efforts continue. EU leaders are considering appointing an EU envoy for talks with Putin, but France has already sent its own special representative, Emmanuel Bonne, to Moscow. The secret visit involved meetings with Kremlin advisors to address security issues and the future of the war in Ukraine. President Macron is acting independently of the EUʼs formal decisions, attempting to broaden negotiation channels.
European countries remain hesitant in their support for Ukraine, especially regarding security guarantees. The president of Finland urged the United States not to describe future obligations to Ukraine as similar to NATO’s Article 5, to avoid confusion over collective defense commitments.
In military developments, Russia launched drone and missile attacks on Ukraine overnight on February 5. Civilians and infrastructure were hit in Kyiv; businesses and homes were damaged in the Dnipropetrovsk region, and Sumska region suffered casualties and serious destruction.
There was also a reported Ukrainian strike on Russia's Kapustin Yar training ground with a long-range Flamingo missile, though details remain unconfirmed.
On the international front, negotiations between the US and Iran over Iran’s nuclear program are set to take place in Oman, though the agenda remains unclear. Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf nations are encouraging dialogue to stabilize the Middle East.
Zelensky stressed that, given the complex geopolitical environment, Ukraine will need to focus on internal reforms and self-reliance for the future.
