President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that 2025 will be a key year in Ukraine’s struggle to end the almost three-year war with Russia. He said this in his New Year’s address to the nation, which was broadcast on official channels and social media.
“Every day in the new year we will fight for a strong Ukraine. Only such a Ukraine will be respected and heard. Both on the battlefield and at the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy stressed.
Loss of territories and challenges in 2024
Last year was a difficult one for Ukraine. According to an AFP analysis, Ukraine lost seven times more territory in 2024 than in the previous year. In addition, there are growing fears that after Donald Trump’s inauguration as US president in January 2025, military and political support for Kyiv could decline significantly.
Nevertheless, the administration of current US President Joe Biden has announced a new package of military and financial assistance to Ukraine worth almost six billion dollars in an effort to bolster support ahead of the change of power in Washington.
Risks to the peace process
Donald Trump has previously stated that he could end the conflict “in 24 hours”, raising concerns that peace could be achieved at the cost of Ukraine’s territorial concessions to Russia.
“I have no doubt that the new US president is committed and capable of achieving peace and stopping Putin’s aggression. But peace cannot be achieved by surrendering our lands,” Zelenskyy said.
Russia continues its aggression
Meanwhile, in his New Year’s address, Russian President Vladimir Putin avoided directly mentioning the war in Ukraine, but praised the “courage and valour” of the Russian military.
“Let 2025 be the year of Ukraine. We know that peace will not be given to us, but we will do everything to stop Russia and end this war,” Zelenskyy concluded.
Ukraine is preparing for another year of struggle, determined to defend its independence and territorial integrity.
