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Zelensky Details Peace Terms for Ukraine in New Year’s Address
Dateline: Kyiv, Ukraine – January 1, 2024
volodymyr Zelensky declared in his New Year’s address that a just and lasting peace agreement with Russia hinges on the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity, a demand that remains a central sticking point in the ongoing conflict. The address, broadcast as fireworks lit up the skies over Kyiv, offered a somber yet resolute tone, acknowledging the immense sacrifices made by Ukrainians while outlining a path toward a future free from Russian aggression.
Conditions for Peace Remain Firm
Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine will not cede any territory to Russia as a condition for ending the war.
Zelensky’s speech wasn’t a promise of imminent peace, but a clear articulation of Ukraine’s non-negotiable principles. He emphasized that any potential agreement must fully restore Ukraine’s internationally recognized borders, including Crimea and all areas currently under Russian occupation. This firm stance underscores the challenges that lie ahead in any future negotiations, as Russia has repeatedly signaled its unwillingness to relinquish control over the territories it has seized. The president’s words resonated with a nation deeply scarred by nearly two years of intense fighting, and a population determined to defend its sovereignty.
