Zelensky's press conference on the third anniversary of the war: key statements from the president.

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, commenced a press conference dedicated to the third anniversary of the war with Russia. The head of state took the stage and is preparing to answer questions from journalists from both Ukrainian and foreign media.

Volodymyr Zelensky also outlined Ukraine's plan regarding the Kursk region. The President stated that the portion of the Russian region currently under Ukrainian control will be discussed during negotiations concerning territorial integrity.

"When we reach the issue of territorial integrity and the question of certain steps, I believe this will assist us," the President declared.

One of the media inquiries pertained to U.S. contacts with Russia during the first three years of the full-scale invasion. Zelensky reported that Washington had previously communicated with Moscow, but this was done privately. According to him, Ukraine did not view this positively. Furthermore, the official touched upon issues related to a peace agreement and elections. The President assured that he would not sign any document that does not serve the interests of Ukrainians. Regarding elections during martial law, he noted that this is insisted upon by the Kremlin.

The politician listed challenges associated with holding elections during wartime. These include the impossibility of voting under shelling and in occupied territories, issues with voting for refugees, and the arrival of international observers, among others.

"If the army withdraws entirely, under what flag will the elections take place?" Zelensky remarked.

The President discussed the weaponry produced by the Ukrainian defense industry. He mentioned that Ukraine is working on an analogue of the American Patriot air defense system. He also suggested considering what would happen on the front if the amount of aid were to decrease by 20%. Following this, the politician stated that European partners are preparing a substantial military aid package.

"We are focused on these issues, working on air defense systems, and honestly, we are developing Ukrainian equivalents. I won’t say more. Regarding critical consequences for the front if American assistance ceases? Critical consequences? Just imagine a 20% reduction in aid. Draw your conclusions," he stated.

Volodymyr Zelensky responded to a question about whether Ukraine has a plan B in case the U.S. indeed halts its assistance. The media speculated that help could be sought from China due to the rapprochement between Russia and the U.S. The President clarified that he will fight until the end and that there is currently no alternative plan. At the same time, he noted that Ukraine has no objections to seeing China at the negotiating table. According to the head of state, it is not yet evident that Beijing is prepared for this.

"I am accustomed to fighting until the end. Therefore, I do not want us to talk about plan B, or to voice it aloud, but rather to focus on not losing the U.S. We cannot exclude any partners, but there are no serious signals from China indicating they are ready for anything," the President stated.

Journalists asked Volodymyr Zelensky what he could say about Chilean journalist Gonzalo Lira, who, as reported by Russian propagandists, allegedly "died in Ukraine." The head of state noted that he does not know this person and is not sure that his publications posed a significant danger.

In 2025, there will be changes in the financing of the Ukrainian budget, Zelensky reported. Previously, the distribution of funds was as follows: U.S. contribution – 40%, EU – 30%, and Ukraine – 40%. In the new year, Ukraine is expected to provide 50% of the budget, the President added.

Volodymyr Zelensky explained that U.S. assistance has not ceased, but there are no decisions regarding new weapon packages. The politician clarified that weapons worth a total of $15 billion are currently en route to Ukraine.

During the press conference, the President spoke about the achievements of the Ukrainian defense industry. According to him, in 2024, the Defense Forces received:

• 2.2 million FPV drones;
• 100,000 long-range drones;
• 154 artillery systems.

Zelensky explained the objectives the U.S. aims to achieve by 2025. According to the Ukrainian state, Washington's goal is to conclude the hot phase of the Russian-Ukrainian war by the end of 2025. He also emphasized that one should not rely on the words of Russian President Vladimir Putin, as this is "not a basis for security guarantees."

"The U.S. believes that a ceasefire regime signifies the end of the war. We cannot accept Putin's words that Russia will not come here again as a basis for concluding the war," the President stated.

Volodymyr Zelensky also commented on the disconnection of Starlink. He explained that the satellite internet communication system is utilized by both the defense forces and civilian institutions: hospitals, kindergartens, universities. The official stated that turning off this system would be inappropriate. The politician mentioned that he has only heard about the threat to Starlink in the media but stressed that one must "be prepared."

The Ukrainian President asserted that no conclusion of the war should be expected in the coming week. According to him, this will not happen, as it is "impossible." However, the politician outlined possible plans for Ukraine. For example, after the war, the size of the Ukrainian army should not be less than 800,000, the head of state declared.

Volodymyr Zelensky remarked that he was not offended by a single word from President Donald Trump, who referred to him as a dictator. He stated that the accusation from the U.S. leader might have hurt a true dictator, but not him. The politician explained that he has a "pragmatic approach" towards the U.S.

"You extract, we share. You have the priority, you are number one, but do everything to stop the enemy and to restore, restore justice for us. End this war, stop it, force Putin. That’s roughly the gist," the President explained the essence of initial proposals to partners.

Journalists learned that the text of the minerals agreement will likely undergo changes. In particular, it appears that the amount is now not $500 billion but a lesser sum. According to the President, there is already a "consensus" regarding the reduction of the amount. On the other hand, about 20 U.S. companies are operating in occupied territories, which "raises concerns," he noted. Zelensky also explained that his goal is not an economic agreement with the White House, but an agreement on security guarantees. Additionally, the politician recalled that Donald Trump "did not always come," and Ukrainians need a lasting peace.

Zelensky explained the situation regarding the funds that Ukraine received from the U.S. during the three years of the Russian-Ukrainian war. According to him, there was an agreement with the previous President Joe Biden that the assistance consists of grant funds. Today, the head of the Ukrainian state is ready to engage in dialogue with the 47th President Donald Trump. However, he will not sign the existing version of the agreement proposed by the current American administration.

"The agreement states that for every dollar of U.S. assistance, Ukraine must return $2, it is written there. I highlighted this in red. For understanding, this is a 100% loan. I have a question: if this is forced and we cannot do without it, then perhaps we have to go along with it," the politician stated.

The Ukrainian President compared the assistance received by Ukraine to that sent by the U.S. to hypothetical "Arabs." He rhetorically asked whether those partners return the money to Americans. And does the condition from President Donald Trump mean that Ukraine must repay half of the funds it receives, for example, from the EU? Zelensky also emphasized that he cannot agree to a debt that will be repaid by ten generations of Ukrainians.

Volodymyr Zelensky explained that he cannot sign an agreement recognizing a debt of Ukraine that does not actually exist.

"Even recognizing $100 billion would be inappropriate. We cannot acknowledge grants as debts. A grant is not a debt. The issue is not the figure, but that we do not recognize it as a debt," he noted.

The President commented on the minerals agreement that Ukrainians must sign at the request of the U.S. The politician described the negotiation process. His proposal involved receiving American support in exchange for Ukrainian minerals. He emphasized that the condition of "50/50" is unacceptable for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the next proposal from partners is to recognize a debt of $500 billion. According to Zelensky, the U.S. provided assistance of $100 billion, and these were non-repayable grant funds.

"Let’s talk about minerals, resources. You extract, we share. But stop this war, force Putin," Zelensky voiced his position.

Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the "negotiating table" related to the war with Russia is not a place where Ukraine should receive any invitation. He also reported on the volumes of U.S. assistance: according to him, this is $100 billion.

"This is not a negotiating table where Ukraine is invited. This is our table," he declared.

The President announced that on Monday, February 24, an international summit related