Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Is Ready to Freeze Front Lines, Calls for Security Guarantees From U.S. and Europe

23.10.2026, 02:27 uatv.ua

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was ready to freeze the fighting along the current front lines as a first step toward ending Russia’s war, stressing that any ceasefire must be backed by security guarantees to prevent renewed aggression. He made the remarks in an interview with Fox News’ “Fox & Friends” host Brian Kilmeade, discussing peace negotiations, U.S. support, and Ukraine’s defense needs, UATV English reports.

Asked whether he would accept a peace deal that froze the conflict in its current state, leaving Ukraine in control of 75% or more of its territory, Zelenskyy said this could provide a realistic path toward ending the war.

“Yes, right now we have to freeze, and I think this is a real way to end this war. We call it a ceasefire or ‘stop killing,’ as President Trump called it. Freeze and stop,” Zelenskyy said.

He described a ceasefire as the minimum step needed to move from fighting to negotiations. Ukraine would then seek security guarantees from U.S. President Donald Trump and European partners to ensure that Russia could not resume its invasion.

“The most important thing is peace and also security for that peace. We must not be afraid that occupation, aggression, and killings will return. We have to stop this, and that is why we need a freeze, talks, and security guarantees from the United States,” Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian president also emphasized the importance of direct negotiations between Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, adding that European countries should be included in the process.

“It is important to negotiate trilaterally. I have always said that we are open to negotiations in any format and on any topic. I just ask: please, do not speak about us without us,” he said.

Zelenskyy expressed hope for a positive outcome from U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St. Petersburg. He described his own recent talks with Witkoff in Oslo as productive and said Ukraine remained ready for diplomacy.

The president also addressed Ukraine’s military and technological needs, including restrictions affecting Starlink and Starshield satellite services. He said he had discussed the issue with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who had promised to work toward resolving the problems.

“It is still limited,” Zelenskyy said of Starshield, emphasizing the importance of the service to Ukraine’s defense capabilities.

Zelenskyy welcomed the restoration of U.S. intelligence sharing, including early-warning information, and highlighted the importance of interceptor missiles for protecting Ukraine against Russian attacks.

The president also spoke about the need to rebuild the country and encourage Ukrainians who had been displaced by the war to return home.

“We need 9.5 million people who are scattered everywhere to come back to Ukraine, to live and build their country,” he said.

Zelenskyy’s remarks came amid renewed diplomatic efforts following talks in Norway involving Ukrainian, U.S., and European representatives. He stressed that freezing the front lines would be a starting point for negotiations rather than a substitute for lasting peace, with security guarantees remaining central to any potential agreement.

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