Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has underlined that continued American military and political support remains indispensable for Ukraine’s survival, even as Russia signals it is toughening its negotiating position and Kyiv pushes toward finalising a US-backed peace framework that could be ready for signing as early as January.
In a televised interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy was blunt about Ukraine’s dependence on Washington. “Can we win without American support? No,” he said, stressing that US-supplied air defence systems, particularly missiles to protect Ukrainian skies, remain critical as Russian strikes continue. “Without American support, we can’t defend the sky. Even now, it’s very difficult.”
What is the backdrop to Zelenskyy’s remarks on the US role in the Ukraine war?
Zelenskyy’s remarks came a day after talks with US President Donald Trump in Florida, where security guarantees, reconstruction and the trajectory of the war dominated discussions.
Trump later told reporters that he had also spoken to Russian President Vladimir Putin about Ukraine’s post-war future, claiming Moscow would be willing to help rebuild the country by supplying energy and electricity at low prices. Trump even suggested that Putin wanted Ukraine to “succeed”.
What were Zelenskyy’s views on Russia regarding the war?
Zelenskyy flatly rejected that narrative, voicing deep mistrust of Moscow and the Russian leader. “I don’t trust Russians… I don’t trust Putin, and he doesn’t want success for Ukraine,” he said, dismissing Russian offers of cheap energy as hollow.
“It’s not about energy. We don’t need anything from them.” Any reconstruction, he insisted, must be funded by Russia through financial compensation for the destruction caused by the war. “They have to give us money…and we will rebuild everything.”
Why has Russia hardened its stance on the Ukraine war?
While Kyiv speaks of peace frameworks and security guarantees, Moscow has struck a far more confrontational tone. The Kremlin said on Tuesday (December 30, 2025) that an alleged Ukrainian drone attack on a presidential residence in Russia’s Novgorod region would harden Russia’s stance in any future peace talks.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov accused Kyiv of attempting to sabotage negotiations, calling the incident a “terrorist action” aimed at collapsing diplomacy.
“The diplomatic consequence will be to toughen the negotiating position of the Russian Federation,” Peskov said, adding that the Russian military knew “how and when to respond.”
Why did Russia reject Ukraine’s position on the Novgorod attack?
He dismissed Ukraine’s denial of the incident as “completely insane” and claimed Western media were “playing along” with Kyiv’s version of events. Peskov declined to reveal President Putin’s location at the time and said evidence related to the alleged attack was a matter for the defence ministry.
Zelenskyy, however, described the Russian claims as “another round of lies” designed to justify further attacks and prolong the war. He argued that Moscow’s rhetoric was a reaction to diplomatic momentum generated by his Florida talks with Trump and growing Western coordination around Ukraine’s security.
Is the US-backed Russia-Ukraine peace plan ready to be signed?
Against this tense backdrop, Zelenskyy announced that the first documents of a comprehensive 20-point peace plan could be ready for signature in January, provided all parties show political will.
The framework, discussed with Trump, is intended to involve Ukraine, the United States, Russia and European partners as signatories.
What are the key aspects of the peace plan?
Central to the plan is a proposal for legally binding US security guarantees for Ukraine lasting at least 15 years, an NATO Article 5–like commitment that Zelenskyy hopes to eventually extend to 50 years.
Discussions are also underway on deploying US troops and a specialised international monitoring mission to deter Russian provocations immediately after a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy stressed that any deployment of American forces would be decided solely by Washington and remain under US command, but said Kyiv views a US presence as a powerful security guarantee.
How does the peace plan also include Ukraine’s economic growth?
Beyond security, the plan includes a sweeping “Prosperous Ukraine” economic package. Zelenskyy said Trump considers reconstruction a top priority, with ambitions to triple average wages by attracting American and European investment under special conditions. On defence, he confirmed that Trump had pledged assistance with Patriot air defence systems and agreed to help accelerate procurement.
Zelenskyy’s comments come as Ukraine intensifies diplomatic engagement with Western allies. Security advisers from the Coalition of the Willing are set to meet in Ukraine on January 3, 2026, followed by leaders-level talks in France on January 6.
As Kyiv pushes toward a possible peace framework, Zelenskyy has made one point unmistakably clear: without sustained US backing, Ukraine’s path to security and peace remains uncertain.