Zelenskyy says freezing front line could lead to ceasefire
Ukrainian president proposes halting fighting along current front line as first step toward ending war with Russia.
Key facts
- Zelenskyy said halting fighting along the current front line is the most realistic route to ending the war with Russia.
- He called the halt a "freeze" and said it would open the way to ceasefire talks.
- He said Ukraine is open to negotiate in any format but must be directly involved.
- He said any agreement must include security guarantees from partners such as the United States and European allies.
Zelenskyy told Fox & Friends that he is willing to freeze the front line. He said it is the real way to end the war and would lead to a ceasefire. The interview aired on 21 October 2026.
He added that Ukraine is open to negotiate in any format or on any topic. He said Ukraine must be directly involved in the talks. He asked that no one speak about Ukraine without Ukraine.
Zelenskyy said any agreement must come with security guarantees from Ukraine’s partners. He named the United States and European allies. He said these guarantees would keep Ukrainians from fearing occupation or aggression again.
His comments came after US special envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Saint Petersburg. Zelenskyy also said Starshield, a military communications system, remains limited. He said the US Secretary of State would work to unblock the service.
Context
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said halting fighting along the current front line is the most realistic route to ending the war with Russia, opening the way to ceasefire talks. The discussion follows a meeting between US special envoy Steve Witkoff and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
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