“We won’t accept Russia’s ultimatums” – Zelenskyy says Ukraine won’t be bargaining chip

He said this in an interview with Sky News.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has never wanted to be treated as an object and has consistently shown its agency, even at the start of the war without partner support. He stressed that Ukraine will not accept Russia’s ultimatums and expressed confidence that it will not become a bargaining chip in talks between major powers.

He noted that the world's focus is now shifting to the Middle East. The President of Ukraine called it an understandable phenomenon, but also a big problem. According to him, this means that assistance from partners, primarily from the United States, may be reduced.

Zelenskyy acknowledged that while Ukraine does not want this shift, it can already feel it. He noted that Russia senses an advantage on the battlefield, making the situation more difficult for Ukraine. He warned that Putin is likely to intensify attacks to exploit the fact that U.S. attention is turning to the Middle East. Nonetheless, he cautioned against treating Ukrainian lives as part of a political game, emphasizing that Ukraine has always supported the United States.

He emphasized that he categorically does not want to see any global agreements between the United States and Russia.

"We do not need this. Unfortunately, we are victims of Russian aggression. That is why only we have to decide how this war will end," the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelenskyy on his role as President of Ukraine: “Maybe not the best, but the most experienced”

When asked by a journalist whether he had thought about handing over power to another leader, Zelenskyy said that he was always ready for this, but he was not ready to betray the people.

“There is a war, and my greatest duty is to go through it alongside my country. If my people believe they need a different leader, I simply have no right to stay. That’s a fact. Yes, I’m tired - because the country is at war. And there are people who are just as tired, maybe even more,” said the Ukrainian leader.

When asked whether the experience and skills gained during the full-scale war would help Zelenskyy continue to lead the country now, the president replied that it was not his personal merit. He said that “what we have learned and what I have been able to achieve together with people will help him.”

“I’m the most experienced - maybe not the best. There are always people better than you. In critical moments, I held 20 talks with world leaders every day. It’s not just about reaching an agreement, but about bringing real results to Ukraine. That’s the hard role of a leader,” Zelenskyy emphasized.