Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that even a temporary pause in fighting in Ukraine would be valuable, stressing that saving lives remains the most urgent priority amid ongoing war.
Speaking in an interview with CNN, Zelenskyy said any halt in hostilities should be welcomed, even if a lasting peace agreement remains out of reach, Caliber.Az reports.
“I think any pause in the war is good, because you stop losing people. I don't know how much Russia gains from easing of sanctions – and this is a concern – but the biggest challenge is losing people. If you can save lives – it’s always great. Therefore, we support the ceasefire. Of course, lasting peace is the best way to end the war, but if it's not possible at this point, any pause is great,” he said, commneting on the ceasefire in the Middle East.
Zelenskyy also warned that without international presence or guarantees along the front line, Russia could resume military action.
“If we don’t have this presence, no words will stop Putin,” he said, referring to the potential role of foreign troops or international monitoring forces.
He argued that only sustained international pressure could deter further escalation, calling on major global powers to take a firm stance.
"And if we truly want to stop him, I am not sure that powerful countries can be mediators. If you are mediating, he doesn't feel guilt. This is a big problem. I'm not forcing anybody to pick sides. But the thing is, if we want to end the war, we have to tell Putin he is not right. I am not sure that dialogues built on compromise work," he noted.
According to the Ukrainian president, diplomatic neutrality alone is insufficient, and clear political positioning is necessary to end the conflict.
"I think that President Trump, President Xi, Prime Minister Modi, and other big players in the world have to tell Putin he has to stop this war. They can't tell Ukraine “You have to stop the war”. We are defending. We are not aggressors. To stop what? All together, we must stop Putin. What does it mean to be a great leader? It means stopping the war through diplomacy," he said.
Zelenskyy also highlighted Ukraine’s growing defence partnerships with Middle Eastern countries, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, saying agreements on drone technologies and defence cooperation had been signed.
He said Ukraine is prepared to share military expertise, training, and cost-effective drone interception systems with partners.
"We are ready to deliver. First, our expertise. Second, training missions and software to integrate different military equipment into one system. And cheap drones and co-production lines to make them. A “shahed” can cost between $80 and $130 thousand. They will destroy it using not a $3-4 million missile, but a $10,000 interceptor. We want to help them defend themselves. And we will continue building such partnerships with other countries," he noted.
Despite the ongoing war, Zelenskyy emphasised continued gratitude toward the United States and other allies for their support, while stressing that Ukraine’s priority remains strengthening its defence and pushing for conditions that could enable even temporary pauses in fighting.
By Sabina Mammadli
