Following a meeting of the Ukrainian, European, and American delegations in Oslo, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a press conference statement outlining his position on the course of the conflict and prospects for negotiations. Journalists asked him about concessions and whether he is currently losing the war against Russia. In response, the head of state emphasized that the discussions focused on 'delicate' issues and urged efforts to be concentrated on a speedy cessation of hostilities, RBC-Ukraine reports.
'We are not losing, but we are losing people and time'
Answering a direct question about whether Ukraine is losing the war, Zelenskyy insisted that 'Ukraine is not losing the war.' At the same time, he acknowledged that the conflict takes the most precious thing — human lives. 'But we are losing people and time, because our children do not have a real life, a childhood,' the president stated, adding that this is precisely why it is necessary to end the war as soon as possible. Thus, his position boils down to the fact that the military situation is not a losing one, yet human losses make the continuation of the conflict unacceptable.
Oslo Talks: Composition and Agenda
As RBC-Ukraine previously reported, on October 20 in Oslo, Ukrainian, American, and European delegations discussed ways to end the war. The agenda included, in particular, the issue of security guarantees for Ukraine. The negotiations were initiated personally by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy alongside U.S. Special Presidential Envoy Steve Witkoff. The meeting was also attended by Finnish President Alexander Stubb and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre. The three-way format indicates that Oslo has become a platform for multilateral dialogue on settlement.
Focus on Ending the War and Reconstruction
Zelenskyy stated that he wants to 'make efforts as soon as possible to stop this war' and proposed focusing subsequent rounds of negotiations on the topic of reconstruction. Such a shift in focus — from military and political concessions to recovery issues — reflects an attempt to translate negotiations into a practical channel. At the same time, the president did not disclose details of the 'delicate' issues discussed, limiting himself to a general formulation about the desire for peace and the protection of citizens' lives.
Thus, Zelenskyy's key message from Oslo consists of two parts: the assertion that Ukraine is not in a losing military position, and a simultaneous call for the prompt conclusion of the conflict due to human casualties. The further course of negotiations, including security guarantees and reconstruction, will depend on the position of all participating parties.
