Freezing the war, gas, and lowering the draft age: key points from Zelenskyy's speech

On Thursday, December 19, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a press conference during the European Council meeting, where he discussed peace negotiations, security guarantees for Ukraine, the state of the Armed Forces, and whether the country will continue transporting Russian gas.

The main theses from Zelenskyy's speech read in the TSN story.

Ukraine cannot agree to freezing the war

Zelenskyy emphasized that, unlike Russia, Ukraine seeks peace but cannot accept a frozen conflict without concrete security guarantees.

"We cannot live with a frozen conflict. When it comes to a cease-fire in any conflict, people know what will follow and how it will end. Otherwise, you are simply freezing the conflict. Ukraine needs security guarantees and a strong position," Zelenskyy stressed.

What constitutes a "strong position"

According to Zelenskyy, a strong position for Ukraine means a stable front line. This would prevent Russian forces from advancing.

"This demonstrates that Russia lacks a capable army to move forward, meaning their military has weakened. That is a strong position for Ukraine," the President summarized.

Events that could bring the war to an end

Zelenskyy outlined events that could compel Russia to recognize the need for peace. Key points include:

geopolitical clarity for Ukraine and Europe, such as an invitation for Ukraine to join NATO;

• clear progress on Ukraine's EU membership;

• strengthening Ukraine’s defense with promised weapons and air defense systems, as well as urgent equipping of brigades;

• increased investment in weapons production in Ukraine and Europe to bolster capabilities;

• maintaining and intensifying sanctions against Russia until achieving lasting peace;

• more active use of frozen Russian assets to support peace efforts;

• social resilience - supporting Ukraine in rebuilding schools, hospitals, and energy infrastructure to ensure normal living conditions.

True security guarantees for Ukraine

Membership in NATO remains the ultimate security guarantee for Ukraine. However, the country also seeks other security assurances from both the EU and the U.S.

In response to journalists' questions, Zelenskyy stated that security guarantees solely from Europe would be insufficient.

"I believe European guarantees alone will not be enough for Ukraine. This cannot be discussed solely with European leaders. For us, true guarantees - whether current or future - lie in NATO. NATO relies on decisions from both the U.S. and European leaders," Zelenskyy said.

He also emphasized the importance of addressing issues like troop contingents, weapons, air defense, and long-range capabilities.

Progress on additional air defense systems for Ukraine

According to the President, Ukraine has made progress in bolstering its air defense. Several systems have been confirmed for delivery.

"A few systems have been confirmed, and we will be receiving them. Canada and Germany are providing assistance. It is incoming. Do we have all the systems? Not enough? Yes, that's a fact," Zelenskyy admitted.

Lowering the draft age

President Zelenskyy commented on Western partners' demands to lower the draft age, noting that Ukraine has enough formed brigades but lacks the necessary weapons and equipment:

"If a person stands in front of you without a weapon, what difference does it make whether this person is 20 or 30 years old? None. Our partners focus on the physical abilities of soldiers, while we focus on the fact that we have "bare" brigades that are not fully equipped, especially with weapons. I believe this is not very fair."

Zelenskyy said that a year ago, Ukraine had agreed with the United States and Europe on training 12 brigades abroad. However, currently, only two brigades are undergoing training - in France and Germany.

Zelenskyy’s comment on Putin’s "technological duel with "Oreshnik" proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called Kremlin dictator Putin a "lunatic" after his proposal for a "technological duel" with Ukraine.

"See who we’re dealing with. Today, the "comrade from the Kremlin" said that Russia offered a "technological duel." Yes, there’s already a video - you can watch it. Putin proposed a "technological duel." Putin says: "We will strike, for example, somewhere in Kyiv with "Oreshnik"-this new missile - "and they can deploy their air defense. Let’s see what happens." And do you think this is a sane person? Just lunatics..." the Ukrainian President said.

On Viktor Orban’s relationship with Putin

Zelenskyy stated that Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has no mandate to negotiate with Putin and described Orban’s relationship with the Russian president as "too warm."

"The Prime Minister of Hungary, despite all respect for Hungarians and Hungary, has no mandate for negotiations. His relationship with Putin is too warm to put Putin in his place. For us, it is crucial to preserve Ukraine, our independence, our sovereignty, and Europe. Ukraine is defending Europe today at the cost of Ukrainian lives. We undoubtedly need support. But what you’re talking about looks like political PR," the Ukrainian leader said.

Will Ukraine continue Russian gas transit?

Ukraine will not continue the transit of Russian gas, primarily because it would provide additional billions to Russia, Zelenskyy stated.

"We will not engage in continuing the transit of Russian gas. We will not give them the opportunity to earn additional billions on our blood," the President declared.

He also pointed out that Ukraine is losing significantly more due to Russian aggression, particularly because of Russia’s seizure of a nuclear power plant.

Read also:

• Can Ukraine reclaim Crimea and Donbas? A military expert outlines conditions and an action plan

• To capture Pokrovsk, the enemy uses tactics tested in Bakhmut — an OSINT analyst

• The Russians are preparing an offensive in Kharkiv region: The 3rd Assault Brigade assesses the threat

• Stefanchuk responds to Putin's statements on negotiations