President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that, in his view, Vladimir Putin’s aim is not limited to seizing individual territories of Ukraine. He made these remarks in an in-depth interview with the Canadian broadcaster CBC News during his visit to Canada. Zelenskyy also rejected the idea of ending the war on a «win-win» basis, emphasising that, given the enormous human toll, the primary outcome must be the cessation of hostilities and the preservation of lives.
- Zelenskyy believes that Russia wants more than just part of Ukraine.
- The President stated that a «win-win» scenario is no longer possible in the war.
- He described the cessation of hostilities as the main outcome.
- Ukraine continues to call on the US to tighten sanctions against Russia.
Zelenskyy explained what, in his view, Putin is aiming for
In an interview, Zelenskyy cast doubt on the assumption held by some of his partners that the Kremlin is allegedly seeking to acquire only a certain part of Ukrainian territory.
The President pointed out that Russia is already the world’s largest country by area, so he believes it is wrong to attribute the war to a desire to gain a few more «kilometres» of territory.
«Putin doesn’t want kilometres; he wants the whole of Ukraine,» said Zelenskyy.
According to him, he believes that Moscow is seeking to bring Ukraine under Russian control, rather than merely to shift the front line. This is the Ukrainian president’s assessment of the Kremlin’s strategic objectives.
«There is no longer a »win-win’ in this war
Zelenskyy was asked separately about the US approach to the negotiations, in which representatives from Washington spoke of seeking a solution acceptable to both sides.
The President replied that, after years of war and significant loss of life, he no longer sees any possibility of a traditional scenario in which both Ukraine and Russia could claim victory.
«There can be no win-win in this war,» said Zelenskyy.
He added that the main «victory» right now should be ending the war and saving lives. Speaking on CBC, Zelenskyy emphasised that this is not just a matter of Ukraine’s or Russia’s interests, but of the need to bring the hostilities to an end.
Zelenskyy calls on the US to tighten sanctions
At the same time, the Ukrainian president continues to call on Washington to impose tougher economic sanctions against Russia.
On 11 September, during a speech at the Yalta European Strategy meeting, Zelenskyy stated that decisions on sanctions needed to be taken more quickly, particularly to limit Russia’s ability to produce missiles and other weapons.
The Office of the President also emphasises that sanctions should exert economic pressure within the Russian Federation and encourage Russian businesses to demand that the country’s leadership bring the war to an end.
Ukraine specifically calls on the US, the European Union and other states to coordinate their efforts sanctions against Russian companies, individuals and vessels belonging to the shadow fleet. On 13 September, Zelenskyy brought three new sets of Ukrainian sanctions into force at once.
Zelenskyy is preparing for a meeting with Trump in New York
The Ukrainian side is also preparing for another meeting between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump at the end of September.
Zelenskyy had previously cited these as indicative dates 21–23 September, provided the two presidents’ schedules coincide. Topics for the forthcoming talks include an end to attacks on the energy sector, the safety of maritime shipping, further military aid and the possible resumption of the diplomatic process.
The meeting is planned against the backdrop of preparations for the high-level session of the UN General Assembly in New York and US attempts to resume negotiations between Ukraine and Russia.
At the same time, key differences between the parties remain: Moscow continues to make territorial demands, which Kyiv rejects, whilst Ukraine insists on security guarantees and real pressure being brought to bear on Russia.
