Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hardened his stance on the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
While addressing the Swedish Parliament virtually on Monday, November 20, 2025, Zelenskyy acknowledged that the peace talks, being spearheaded by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, are progressing well.
However, he maintained a tough stance and vowed to make Russian President Vladimir Putin pay for the devastation caused since the war began.
“The aggressor must pay fully for the war he started,” Zelenskyy told the parliament.
Zelenskyy Demands Tougher Measures Against Putin
He further argued that Putin seeks legal recognition of certain Ukrainian territories, which he identified as the main issue in the conflict.
“Putin wants legal recognition for what he has stolen, undermining the principle of territorial integrity and sovereignty. That’s the core problem. You all understand what that implies,” he explained.
Zelenskyy warned that Putin’s demands extend beyond Ukraine, posing a threat to the entire world. He stressed that more action is needed, particularly regarding the use of frozen Russian assets.
Commenting on the current peace negotiations aimed at ending the war that began in 2022, Zelenskyy described the talks as “a critical moment.”
He mentioned that Ukraine is working “closely with the U.S. and other European partners to define the necessary steps” to achieve peace.
US and Ukraine Officials Meet to Discuss Proposed Peace Plan
Additionally, Zelenskyy noted that during the negotiations, they have managed to keep some “very sensitive points” on the agenda, including the release of all Ukrainian prisoners of war and the return of abducted Ukrainian children.
Ukraine’s President’s remarks come amid peace talks to end the war. US and Ukrainian officials recently concluded a round of high-level talks in Geneva, Switzerland, on Sunday, November 23, 2025.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Ukrainian Presidential Chief of Staff Andriy Yermak both reported significant progress and a highly productive day of negotiations regarding a U.S.-proposed peace plan.
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Russia was not directly involved in these meetings. U.S. officials have indicated that once an agreement is reached with Ukraine, the plan will be presented to Russia for their approval.
The discussions focused on a U.S.-drafted 28-point plan. The initial draft faced criticism for being too favorable to Russia, as it suggested territorial concessions and limitations on Ukraine’s military size.
U.S. and Ukrainian officials have now announced an updated and refined framework that has been agreed upon, which the White House claims thoroughly addresses Ukraine’s core concerns, including sovereignty and security guarantees.
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