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27 Things to Know From the “Ukraine. Year 2025” Forum
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![Vlad Litnarovych]( "Vlad Litnarovych")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a two-hour press conference at the “Ukraine. Year 2025” forum on February 23, covering critical topics from security guarantees to Ukraine’s stance on negotiations. Here’s everything you need to know.
1. Major summit in Kyiv on February 24
“Perhaps this will be a turning point,” said Zelenskyy announcing a major summit in Kyiv. Thirteen international partners will attend in person, while 24 more will join online.
2. “If my resignation brings NATO membership, I’m ready”
Zelenskyy stated he is willing to step down if it secures peace for Ukraine or guarantees NATO accession. However, he emphasized, “I don’t plan to stay in power for decades.”
3. Security guarantees must be in the U.S. agreement
“We need security guarantees in the U.S. deal—right now, they’re missing,” Zelenskyy said, adding that he won’t sign any agreement that burdens 10 generations of Ukrainians with debt.
4. Zelenskyy wants a dialogue with Trump
“I don’t know when I’ll meet him, but I truly believe Trump can help end the war. But peace through strength means directing strength at Russia.”
5. Ukraine didn’t receive $500 billion—and won’t recognize a $100 billion debt
“We received $100 billion from the U.S., not $500 billion. But even that, I won’t recognize as debt—it was a grant, agreed upon with Biden,” Zelenskyy said.
6. U.S. and Russia have always talked
Zelenskyy revealed that Washington and Moscow have been in contact throughout the war—though previously, it was behind closed doors.
7. U.S. military aid hasn’t stopped—but nothing new announced
While existing military support continues, there have been no new aid commitments from the U.S.
8. “Trump isn’t forever, but we need peace for years”
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine cannot afford a temporary ceasefire that leads to renewed war in a decade.
9. Ukraine will sign a “win-win” deal with the U.S.
Any agreement with Washington must benefit both U.S. and Ukrainian interests, including the Ukrainian people.
10. No threats to Starlink—but Ukraine must be prepared
While there have been no hints of a Starlink shutdown, Zelenskyy warned that Ukraine must always be ready for contingencies.
11. The U.S. wants a ceasefire
Washington views a ceasefire as the end of the war—but Ukraine needs real security guarantees.
12. “I’m not offended by Trump’s dictator comment”
Zelenskyy dismissed Trump’s claim, saying, “for me, what Ukrainians think matters more.”
13. Polls show a huge gap between Western and Ukrainian perceptions
“In the West, they say 4% of Ukrainians trust me. In reality, it’s 65%—a serious difference.”
14. Ukraine’s army needs 800,000 troops to hold the line
Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine’s Armed Forces must maintain a strength of 800,000 soldiers.
15. Over 4,000 North Korean troops have been killed in Ukraine
Ukraine inflicted significant losses on North Korean forces aiding Russia, the President said.
16. Will Ukraine ever reach a deal with Russia?
“It’s a tough question. The real issue is: where will our partners be when that moment comes?”
17. Can China help stop Putin?
“Beijing has the power to pressure Russia. If China wants to play a role, we’re ready to talk.”
18. No Ukraine deal without Ukraine
“If the U.S. ever cuts a deal with Russia behind our backs, it will fail—unless we confirm the terms.”
19. Defense Ministry must resolve issues with contract soldiers
The General Staff and Defense Ministry must soon address fairness in the 18-24 month contract system.
20. The war won’t end this week—security guarantees come first
“A deal without guarantees is unacceptable. Step one is securing pledges from Europe and the U.S.”
21. Ukraine’s ballistic missile program is advancing
“Palianytsia, Peklo, Ruta—all have successes. Our own ballistic missiles are coming,” Zelenskyy stated.
22. Elections in Ukraine will be held after martial law ends
“Right now, how can people vote when Russia is launching 267 drones at us?,” the Ukrainian President asked.
23. Ukraine needs 20 more Patriot systems
Ukraine is pushing for 20 additional U.S. Patriot missile systems and is working on a domestically produced equivalent.
24. Europe has two armies: Ukraine’s and Turkey’s
Zelenskyy suggested Turkish President Erdoğan could be a key security guarantor for Ukraine.
25. Kursk region could be a bargaining chip
“Kursk gives us leverage for future negotiations over Ukraine’s occupied territories,” the Ukrainian leader affirmed.
26. No bad deals for Ukraine
“I won’t sign any agreement that harms Ukraine’s future,” Zelesnkyy said.
27. “No peace without Ukrainian sacrifice”
“Ukraine’s struggle is the price of ending this war,” the President added.
