Why this matters
The president is shaping the framework for talks: instead of diving into historical disputes, Volodymyr Zelensky is showing a pragmatic approach — minimizing time and political losses and focusing on ceasefire mechanisms and security guarantees. This message is addressed not only to Putin but also to Western partners assessing Kyiv’s diplomatic readiness.
What Zelensky said
"I don't need to waste time on historical questions, on the reasons why he started, on all that, which, to me, is shit... To end this war and by diplomatic means I don't need all that historical shit, really"
— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (interview with Piers Morgan)
In the same conversation the president added that he has no desire to descend into personal insults, but insists on a practical agenda: a rapid end to hostilities and concrete security guarantees for Ukraine.
Ukraine's position: focus on results
Instead of arguments about history, Kyiv is betting on mechanisms and results: a ceasefire, the return of prisoners, verified borders, and security guarantees. This approach is logical — historical debates risk becoming a tool for delaying the process, and the price is human lives and territory.
What this means for negotiations
First, a signal to partners: Ukraine is ready to negotiate, but on its own terms — with an emphasis on security and implementing agreements, not on emotional or pseudo-historical claims. Second, it changes the tone of the Geneva-format talks: the emphasis shifts from ideology to practical steps, where assessment will be based on implementation rather than rhetorical gestures.
Context: Geneva talks
Following the third round, the president noted progress on the military front, but political issues saw limited advancement. The Ukrainian delegation is preparing for the fourth round in Switzerland; details will be available after receiving the full report from the negotiators.
"I have nothing personal against him. No emotions... I'm just trying to end this war"
— Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine (interview with Piers Morgan)
Implications and outlook
The tone of the statement has a practical purpose: to mobilize international attention on concrete steps, not on historical disputes that Russia could use to legitimize its actions. Next, the move is on partners — from words to instruments: sanctions, diplomatic pressure, and security guarantees must be transformed into mechanisms that ensure the implementation of agreements.
The question remains: will international actors agree to shift their support into a format that will allow Kyiv’s diplomatic focus to translate into real results? The speed and durability of any peaceful settlement depend on that.
