Zelenskyy: Ukraine has made major compromises, the fact that Putin is not in jail is the greatest

Ukraine has made significant compromises to end the war with Russia, but the fact that Vladimir Putin remains free is, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the greatest concession.

“We have made many compromises. Putin and his associates are not in jail. This is the biggest compromise the world has ever seen,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian President emphasised that his country “cannot and will not forget” the human cost of the war initiated by Putin. At the same time, Kyiv remains ready to end the conflict, while Putin shows no willingness to pursue peace, meaning that even greater pressure must be applied to Russia.

“I do not believe they want to stop the war. I think they could, under pressure… That is why, until the pressure is sufficient, they continue to play games,” Zelenskyy added.

He declined to comment on reports that the United States is applying equal pressure on Ukraine and Russia. “There are some points I prefer to keep to myself,” he said.

Western media reports indicate that ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia could be jeopardised ahead of the US election process. President Donald Trump may withdraw from the talks, potentially blaming Kyiv, Moscow, or both.

Among other proposals, the US has suggested creating a free economic zone in Donbas as part of a compromise to end the war. However, the plan has failed to gain enthusiasm.

Russia continues to insist on the withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Donbas and full control over eastern Ukraine. The Kremlin recently stated it expects international recognition of Donbas as Russian territory, a demand that Ukraine firmly rejects.