According to reports from multiple news agencies, Zelensky said in an interview with the American Fox News Channel program "Fox & Friends" on Wednesday (October 21) that in order to end this long-lasting conflict, he is willing to freeze the existing fronts of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Moderator Brian Kilmeade asked Zelensky if he would be willing to accept a "peace deal that freezes the status quo" in which Ukraine retains 75% or more of its territory, regardless of the original cause of the war.
Zelensky responded: "Yes, for now, we have to freeze (the fronts). I think that is a practical way to end this war. We can call it a 'ceasefire,' or in President Trump's words, 'stop the killing.'"
He continued: "Freeze the front lines and stop the fighting. Of course, this is the minimum request we make to Russia today. After that, of course, we will communicate with the President of the United States and the European side to ask for security guarantees."
Zelensky also said: "The most important thing... is to no longer be afraid. There are 9.5 million Ukrainians who have lost their homes and are scattered abroad. We need them to return to Ukraine, live again, and build their own homes."
Russia has repeatedly rejected ceasefire proposals
The German Press Agency pointed out that this is not the first time that Zelensky has proposed freezing the front line. Kyiv has repeatedly proposed a "ceasefire along the current front line." But Moscow has rejected that option in the past on the grounds that a ceasefire would only give Ukraine time to rearm.
According to the Russian Interfax news agency, Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov said last week: "There will be no ceasefire to allow him to recover and receive a steady supply of weapons."
Russian President Vladimir Putin claims that the Russian military is constantly advancing; Trump also tends to agree with this statement. The German Press Agency reported that judging from the actual situation on the battlefield, in recent months, the Ukrainian army has prevented the Russian army from continuing to advance and repelled the Russian army in some areas.
Zelensky's remarks came as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff was meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss plans to end the war. The day before, Witkoff held talks with Ukrainian President Zelensky in the Norwegian capital Oslo.
The Associated Press quoted Russian President Vladimir Putin's foreign affairs assistant Yuri Ushakov as saying on Wednesday (October 21) that Putin agreed "in principle" to resume trilateral negotiations with Ukraine and the United States, which are expected to be held in mid-November and focus on "building a security system for Russia and Ukraine after the conflict ends."
In addition, Ushakov also revealed on the 21st that the US-China-Russia leaders’ summit is also expected to be held in China in November, and China is already making preparations. Trump has previously expressed his willingness to hold a US-China-Russia leaders’ summit.
According to AFP, Zelensky said that Ukraine must participate in any peace negotiations.
"I have always said that we are willing to negotiate in any format and on any issue. But please do not discuss issues that concern us without our participation."
He also stressed that any peace agreement must include security guarantees provided by partners, including the United States and European allies, so that Ukrainians no longer fear "a return to occupation, a return to aggression, a return to killing."
On Wednesday, Zelensky wrote on the social platform X that Russia is "attacking our country almost every hour." He wrote: "Of course, we are not losing the war. But we are losing people. We are losing lives and we are losing time because of the Russian attacks. It is very sad because our children are not able to have a real life and childhood, not just children but all people."
Zelensky added: "Therefore, we need to end this war as soon as possible. I hope that our partners, the United States and Europe, can help us. May God bless our strong soldiers and keep them strong on the battlefield. This also helps me stay firm in any negotiations."
Star Chain and Star Shield restrictions
According to Agence France-Presse, a few days ago, Ukraine accused the United States of deliberately slowing down the service speed of the Starshield communication system operated by SpaceX. The system is critical to Ukrainian military communications on the battlefield. Ukraine is also using Starlink, another satellite communications system owned by SpaceX for civilian use.
The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that SpaceX owner Musk ordered the reduction of Star Shields services. Musk has previously stated that "any limitations on speed or use" of Starship are "determined by the U.S. military and ultimately the president." The top U.S. officials immediately drew a clear line, saying, "The president has nothing to do with Starlink, StarShield, or the decisions made by Mr. Musk."
Zelensky said Starlink and StarShield services "remain restricted." He also said: "But the US Secretary of State told me that he will work with the team to lift the relevant restrictions."
