President Zelensky told Fox News’ Bret Baier that despite war fatigue and a strong public desire for peace in Ukraine (about 87%), an overwhelming majority (85%) is firmly against territorial concessions, particularly withdrawing from Donbas. He said any agreement requiring such concessions would be rejected by the public and that a hypothetical referendum on the issue would not pass. Trump, he added, misinterpreted the desire for peace as readiness to capitulate or make concessions. Zelensky stressed that Ukrainians want a just peace, not peace at any price.
Asked whether Ukrainians are ready for a peace deal with Russia given the strain of a long war, Zelensky replied:
“People definitely want peace. Today President Trump said: ‘I saw a poll that 85%, maybe 87% — he first said… want peace. So they agree.’ I replied: ‘Yes, you know… this is our life. Eighty-seven percent support peace. At the same time, 85% are against pulling back from the East, from Donbas. That means everyone wants peace, but a just peace.’”
Pressed on how to resolve the toughest issue — territory — Zelensky said all sides must recognize that the worst option would be leaving Donbas: “That would pose major risks for Ukraine. It is unacceptable for Ukrainians… it goes against their will. And a referendum would not be positive.”
Ukraine’s president explained that statistics about wanting peace are not the same as being ready to give up territory. Outside observers often conflate the two, he said, and President Donald Trump was no exception.
Following talks with Trump, Zelensky said a one-on-one meeting with Vladimir Putin is possible only under one condition — when Kremlin statements stop diverging from realities on the battlefield.
And in a new report, the U.S.-based Institute for the Study of War analyzed Kremlin statements linked to the Zelensky–Trump discussions. The rhetoric from Russian authorities, it said, points to an absence of readiness for a real peace.
