Portrait of Volodymyr Zelenskyy
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Russia-Ukraine War

Defiant wartime leader (strong)

Volodymyr Zelenskyy regards the full-scale Russian invasion, which began in February 2022, as an act of aggression against Ukrainian sovereignty that necessitates fierce resistance.

He famously declined offers to evacuate the capital, declaring, "the fight is here [in Kyiv]; I need ammunition, not a ride," solidifying his image as a determined wartime leader.

Zelenskyy's ultimate goal remains the complete liberation of all Ukrainian territories seized by Russia since 2014, framing the conflict as a struggle for fundamental human rights and the right to self-determination against Russian blackmail.

Timeline

  1. As a presidential candidate, Zelenskyy promised to end the protracted conflict by negotiating directly with Vladimir Putin, viewing the separatist leaders as Russian 'puppets.'
  2. Stated that, speaking realistically, returning Crimea to Ukrainian control would only be possible after a regime change in Russia.
  3. Announced a formal ceasefire with separatists, which, although frequently violated, led to a significant decrease in overall violence for that year.
  4. Warned the Munich Security Conference against an 'appeasement' attitude toward Moscow, citing failed security assurances after Ukraine gave up its nuclear arsenal.
  5. Expressed willingness to discuss Kremlin demands (neutrality, recognition of annexed territories) but stated clearly this was not for capitulation; proposed a new collective security agreement as a NATO alternative.
  6. Asserted that Ukraine will fight until it regains all its territories, though later conceded that taking all land back by force might cost hundreds of thousands of lives.

Actions Taken

  1. Emergency decree
    Declared martial law across Ukraine and announced a general mobilization of the armed forces immediately following the start of the full-scale invasion.
  2. Diplomatic action
    Severed diplomatic relations with Russia immediately after the invasion commenced.
  3. Policy implementation
    Signed Decree 117/2021 approving the "strategy for de-occupation and reintegration of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea and the city of Sevastopol."
  4. Negotiation stance
    Announced that Ukraine would not hold peace talks with Russia while Vladimir Putin remained president, following the illegal annexations of Ukrainian territory.
  5. Legislation
    Signed a new mobilization law to increase troop numbers and lowered the army mobilization age from 27 to 25.

Key Quotes

I don't bite. If you don't want to leave now, sit down with me at the negotiating table. But not from 30 meters away, like with Macron and Scholz.

Address to citizens March 7, 2022 — Directly challenging Putin to enter peace talks.

We will not forgive. We will not forget. We will punish everyone who committed atrocities in this war... You will not have a quiet place on this earth – except for a grave.

Statement on war crimes March 1, 2022 — Vowing accountability for Russian actions.

I'm sure that without the Chinese market for the Russian Federation, Russia would be feeling complete economic isolation. That's something that China can do – to limit the trade [with Russia] until the war is over.

Statement on China's leverage August 1, 2022 — Appealing for China to use economic power to stop the war.

Related Positions

  • NATO and EU Membership Zelenskyy supports eventual EU and NATO membership, viewing it as key to strengthening defense, though he initially proposed referendums on the matter.
  • Sanctions against Russia He actively rallies international support for sanctions, later welcoming specific US sanctions against major Russian oil companies in 2025.
  • International Justice Zelenskyy has called for Vladimir Putin to stand trial at the International Criminal Court for war crimes, including the crime of aggression.

Criticism

Andriy Biletsky

Accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful to army veterans and acting on behalf of the Kremlin by agreeing to a peace deal that left Ukrainians vulnerable to Russian aggression.

Various economists and political observers

Expressed disquiet over the swift resignation of Prime Minister Honcharuk in 2020, warning it would bring instability amid rising tensions with Russia.

Sources4

* This is not an exhaustive list of sources.