Yermak: If Ukraine controlled the timeline, the war would end tomorrow

Yermak also clarified President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s comments urging Europe to “wake up.” According to Yermak, Ukraine needs European support to end the war, which it never wanted.

“We are the victims of this aggression, and we deeply want to restore a just peace. We want to end this war. This year, the president’s speech and his appeal in Davos were specifically aimed at creating momentum and addressing Europe,” Yermak explained.

He expressed confidence that the new US administration would continue supporting Ukraine.

“We value the willingness of the US president and the new administration to make this a reality and end the war through a just peace,” Yermak said.

Commenting on US President Donald Trump’s refusal during a debate to directly state whether he wanted Ukraine to win the war against Russia, Yermak said it was unnecessary to “overanalyze” Trump’s words or search for hidden meanings.

“Everyone understands that this war needs to end with a just peace. We’ve always said that victory equals a just peace. For us, there is no alternative,” Yermak emphasized.

Regarding Trump’s other promise to end the war in one day, Yermak cautioned against setting time frames.

“I think no one on this planet knows exactly when this war will end. If it depended on Ukraine and the entire democratic world, it would end tomorrow,” he said.

Yermak also noted that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin and the Kremlin are determined to pursue the war, aiming to take control of a neighboring country by force, undermine European values, and dismantle democratic systems.

“This is Russia’s war. It’s not a war over territory; it’s a war against democracy and the free world. They want to destroy Ukraine, but three years have passed. We are still fighting, still strong, and still brave. I am absolutely certain we will achieve a just peace, together with our friends and partners,” Yermak said.

On Jan. 21, Zelenskyy spoke at the World Economic Forum in Davos, urging European nations to develop a unified security and defense policy instead of appealing to emotions by arguing that defense spending should come at the expense of healthcare or pensions.

He emphasized that it remains unclear whether Europe will participate in postwar negotiations, but China’s growing influence over Russia is already evident. Zelenskyy thanked European nations for their support since the war began.