Zelenskyy expresses that he has lost hope of winning the war.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that his country is seeking a swift end to the ongoing war with Russia. In an exclusive interview with Japan's Kyodo News, Zelensky acknowledged the challenges of reclaiming territory lost through force, emphasizing that Ukraine's focus would now shift toward diplomacy after securing NATO membership.
The interview, aired Monday afternoon local time in Japan, saw Kyodo reporter Genichiro Kodama visit the Ukrainian presidential palace in Kyiv for the conversation. Zelensky remarked that while the people expect the return of territories lost to Russia, achieving this would require negotiations rather than military action, especially after Ukraine becomes a NATO member.
He also discussed the difficulties posed by Russia's rapid advances in eastern Ukraine, noting that Western aid has not been sufficient. Ukraine's path forward, he said, would involve joining NATO to strengthen its military capabilities. "Our military lacks that power, and we must find a diplomatic solution to the problem," he explained.
Zelensky's candid statements, shared through this interview, have raised eyebrows. Some have questioned why he chose to share such significant messages with a Japanese news agency and why Kyodo sent its own team of journalists to Kyiv. This change in tone could reflect shifting dynamics in global politics, particularly with growing frustration in the West over the war. As Donald Trump prepares to assume the U.S. presidency in a month, his stance on ending the conflict may have influenced Zelensky’s thinking. Despite continued military aid from President Biden, Zelensky might be realizing that pursuing the war further could risk Ukraine’s survival.
Seeking a more neutral platform, Zelensky may have turned to Kyodo News, which is seen as less aggressive than some Western outlets in its questioning. This shift highlights the changing perspectives around the war, especially as recent polls in Ukraine show increasing support for ending the conflict. A Gallup poll published on November 19 revealed that 52% of Ukrainians now favor ending the war quickly, even at the cost of giving up territory occupied by Russia. This is a sharp contrast to 2022, when 73% supported continuing the fight until all land was reclaimed.
Another angle of the interview addressed the role of North Korean troops in the conflict. Japan, concerned about North Korea's military involvement, has closely monitored the situation. Zelensky mentioned that North Korean casualties in Russia's western border areas have been significant, with around 12,000 soldiers reportedly deployed, though the exact number of casualties remains unclear. While Ukraine may not have full visibility into North Korea's involvement, Zelensky noted that Russia is treating North Korean forces well to encourage further troop deployments.
Zelensky also warned that North Korean soldiers, if properly trained in advanced warfare techniques, could pose a serious future threat not just to Asia but globally. Drones, sophisticated missiles, and other advanced weaponry could transform them into a significant military force in the years to come.
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