Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine: We will not lose this war

Summary

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Podcast Summary: The Interview – Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine: "We will not lose this war"

BBC World Service – February 27, 2026
Host/Interviewer: Jeremy Bowen and BBC Journalist
Guest: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine

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Overview

In this episode of "The Interview," BBC's Jeremy Bowen and a BBC journalist speak with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at a government building in Kyiv, nearly four years after the Russian invasion began. The discussion delves into President Zelenskyy's perspective on the ongoing war, Ukraine's chances of victory, the international community's response, and the path towards a ceasefire. Zelenskyy articulates his defiance, concerns, and hopes for Ukraine, reflecting the complex realities of a war with no end yet in sight.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Framing the Conflict: "World War Three has Already Begun"

[02:49] – [03:23]

• Zelenskyy insists Russia’s invasion represents the start of a Third World War, with Ukraine acting as the world’s frontline in preventing its spread.
• Quote: “Putin has already started it... we are preventing it from becoming a broad, full scale third world war. Today, we are the outposts stopping Putin.” – Zelenskyy [02:49]

2. Defiance and the Meaning of Victory

[03:42] – [06:21]

• Zelenskyy rejects the notion that Ukraine cannot win, emphasizing continued Ukrainian independence and daily life despite war conditions.
• Quote: “Will we lose? Of course not. We are fighting for Ukraine's independence, and today we are an independent Ukraine.” – Zelenskyy [04:06]
• On victory: For most, it’s about returning prisoners and restoring homes. For broader justice, it means the return of all occupied territories, but “victory is the preservation of our independence.” [04:39–06:21]
• Quote: “What is land without people? Honestly, nothing.” – Zelenskyy [05:52]

3. Ceasefire and Diplomatic Efforts

[06:21] – [08:18]

• Zelenskyy reaffirms that fighting must continue until a ceasefire, which he views as primarily valuable for reducing human losses.
• Ukraine faces ongoing vulnerability due to dependency on foreign weapons, particularly air defense systems.
• Quote: “Protecting the sky, even partially... If civilians are protected, we have a covered back. People work, children go to school, the economy functions...” – Zelenskyy [07:43]

4. Nuclear Risks and US Policy

[08:18] – [10:00]

• Zelenskyy draws little distinction between Biden’s and Trump’s views on Russian nuclear threats—US policy aims for de-escalation, sometimes slowing Ukrainian operations.
• On nuclear weapons: “The use of nuclear weapons depends solely on Putin.” – Zelenskyy [09:29]

5. Contested Ceasefire Proposals & Territorial Concessions

[10:00] – [11:47]

• Ceasefire offers have involved Ukraine giving up significant territory; Zelenskyy refuses, emphasizing responsibility to people in occupied regions and warning that concessions would only embolden further Russian aggression.
• Quote: “Why shouldn't Russia return our lands instead?... I see it as abandoning... hundreds of thousands of our people who live there.” – Zelenskyy [10:26–10:47]
• On whether concessions would satisfy Putin: “For a while. For some time it would probably satisfy him... He could recover in a couple of years, no more. Where would he go next? We don't know, but that he would want to continue is a fact.” – Zelenskyy [11:47]

6. Changing American Leadership: Trump vs. Biden

[14:50] – [16:04]

• Zelenskyy says he’s open to talks with Trump and Putin, but asserts that only direct pressure will bring Putin to the table.
• Quote: “We are ready for negotiations at the leaders level with Trump and with Putin. I'm convinced that Putin needs to be pressured.” – Zelenskyy [15:06]
• Points out institutional differences: Ukraine’s democracy vs. Russia’s singular leadership.

7. Sanctions and Economic Pressure

[16:04] – [19:41]

• Discussion about whether US (and Trump in particular) would pursue stronger sanctions after a ceasefire, and concerns that Ukrainian interests may be sidelined in US-Russia negotiations.
• Zelenskyy affirms the importance of dignity and freedom for Ukraine, resisting any arrangement made above Ukrainian heads.
• Quote: “For us, not losing our dignity is extremely important. Honestly, I believe that this sense of freedom and dignity is why we endured.” – Zelenskyy [16:54]
• When asked about the US pushing for resumption of business with Russia: “We really wanted all of them to sanction Russia. We wanted them all to put some pressure on Russia because they're the aggressor.” – Zelenskyy [18:56]

8. The Trustworthiness of Security Guarantees

[20:13] – [21:26]

• On Trump’s claims: “I'm not a dictator. I didn't start the war. That's it.” – Zelenskyy [20:25]
• Security guarantees must come from US institutions, not just presidents, and Europe should also be involved as a guarantor.
• Putin resists European involvement in security arrangements; Zelenskyy argues US guarantees are strongest.
• Quote: “Congress is needed because the presidents change, but institutions stay.” – Zelenskyy [20:41]

9. European Support and Needs

[21:26] – [23:10]

• Zelenskyy expresses gratitude for European financial support, especially for air defense, but says more help is needed—especially for converting Ukraine’s military to a contract-based model, like Russia’s.
• Some European countries provide ample aid; others have blocked help.

10. Leadership, Morale, and Endurance

[23:42] – [25:05]

• Reflecting on the war’s personal toll and his resolve: “The energy remains. It can't be any other way, because we are fighting for justice... We are definitely right 100%... We don't know how this war will end, but for now, we're not losing.” – Zelenskyy [23:42]
• On negotiating an end to the war: “We are ready to sit down for negotiations with their leader. Not just anyone. This is Putin. We are ready to negotiate an end to the war. That is where the energy comes from.” – Zelenskyy [24:38]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

On Global Threats

• “Putin has already started [World War Three]... we are preventing it from becoming a broad, full scale third world war.” [02:49]

On Daily Life and Independence

• “Life goes on... There are strikes, there are air raid alerts, there are bomb shelters. But life goes on. People work. Children go to school... Nevertheless, we have life. That means we have a state and we have independence.” [03:42]

On Ukrainian Defiance

• “We're not calling this fight a special operation, to be honest, or any other operation. We have a war for survival. We want them to leave us alone... we are not going to forgive them.” [24:08]

On US-Russia Negotiations

• “Russia and America cannot decide how to end the war here in Ukraine, without Ukraine, they cannot.” [16:54]

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Important Timestamps

• [02:49] Zelenskyy frames the war as the front line of World War Three.
• [04:06] Zelenskyy asserts Ukraine will not lose.
• [05:52] Emphasis on ‘land without people is nothing.’
• [07:43] Critical need for air defense; economic survival intertwined with civilian safety.
• [09:29] The nuclear threat’s dependence on Putin, not just US policy.
• [10:26–10:47] On the price and consequences of territorial concessions.
• [11:47] Explanation that giving up territory would not satisfy Putin for long.
• [15:06] Readiness for negotiations with Trump and Putin.
• [16:54] Dignity and the importance of Ukraine’s voice in any agreements.
• [20:25] Zelenskyy dismisses Trump’s accusation of dictatorship.
• [23:42] On energy and leadership after four years of war.
• [24:38] Zelenskyy’s willingness to negotiate with Putin directly.

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Tone and Language

Zelenskyy’s tone is resolute, candid, and frequently emotional. He avoids diplomatic euphemisms, grounding his answers in the lived experience of war and a sense of justice. The discussion is somber but defiant, with regular appeals to both logic (“What is land without people?”) and moral rightness (“Truth is on our side... we are definitely right 100%.”). The host’s questions are direct and at times challenging, pushing Zelenskyy to clarify positions on contentious issues such as Western support, territorial concessions, and negotiating with Russia.

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Transcript

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[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

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[Jeremy Bowen]

Hello, I'm Jeremy Bowen, the BBC's international editor, and this is the interview from the BBC World Service. The best conversations coming out of the BBC. People shaping our world from all over the world.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

If you're not a little bit afraid, then you're not paying attention. We have never seen seeing a people so united.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Do not make that boat crossing, do not make that journey. Being born in America, feeling American, having people treat me like I'm not. We're more popular than populism.

[Jeremy Bowen]

For this interview, I met the Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, at the heavily guarded government building in the capital Kyiv. In February of 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. President Putin doesn't believe there should be an independent Ukrainian. But the resistance President Putin's troops met was far stronger than they expected. And four years on, the war continues in Ukraine. Official figures put the number of Ukraine soldiers killed at 55,000, but that's an underestimate, with many more missing. The death toll on the Russian side is thought to be much higher. Although it's hard to find accurate information. Attempts to reach some kind of a ceasefire or peace deal have so far not worked. And around a fifth of Ukrainian territory is in the hands of the Russians. But as you'll hear, President Zelensky remains defiant. Ukraine, he tells me, is on the front line of World War Three.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

We have different views regarding the Third World War. I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how Much territory he will be able to seize. And how to stop him? Because Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves. Therefore, I believe, and have long believed, that Putin has already begun this war and we are preventing it from becoming a broad, full scale third world war. Today, we are the outposts stopping Putin.

[Jeremy Bowen]

Welcome to the interview from the BBC World Service with Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Mr. President, thanks very much for talking to us. Much appreciated. Some people, I think, including President Trump, say Ukraine cannot win this war. Are they correct?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Where are you now? Today you're in Kyiv. You're in the capital of our homeland. You're in Ukraine. I'm very grateful for this. If you go outside, you will see that life goes on. It is difficult. There are strikes, there are air raid alerts, there are bomb shelters. But life goes on. People work. Children go to school. It's not simple at all. Of course, the war is war. This terrible choice was not ours. Nevertheless, we have life. That means we have a state and we have independence. Will we lose? Of course not. We are fighting for Ukraine's independence, and today we are an independent Ukraine. It is very hard for us to. We're under pressure from an army and a state larger than ours, but we stand and fight for survival. We're an independent state, so we will definitely not lose this war.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

So if you can win this war, and I know you've said that, what does victory look like?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

I have spoken about this before and think about it very often. Preserving the sovereignty and independence of our state, Ukraine's choice to be free, independent and European. This is victory for the majority, I'm sure, and for many people, victory means bringing home their relatives and loved ones who are today in prisons, all prisoners of war, bringing many people back to their homes. That is victory. Most people understand that returning to life as it was before the war is victory. Preserving our history, the graves of our loved ones, returning and seeing relatives again. It is all encompassing. Today we speak about stopping this war. I believe that stopping Putin today and preventing him from occupying Ukraine is a victory for the whole world, because Putin will not stop at Ukraine.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

You're not saying that victory means getting all the land back, are you?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

In any case, we will do it. That is absolutely clear. It is only a matter of time. To do it today would mean losing a huge number of people, millions of people, because the Russian army is large and we understand the cost of such steps. You would not have enough people. You would be losing Them. And what is land without people? Honestly, nothing. And you also do not have a sufficient amount of weapons. That depends not only on us, but on our partners. As of today, this is not available. But returning to the borders of 1991 is, without a doubt, not even a victory. It is a victory of justice. Ukraine's victory is the preservation of our independence. And the victory of justice for the whole world is the return of all our lands.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

If you don't get a ceasefire this year, how long can you keep on fighting the war?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

First of all, we must fight to achieve a ceasefire. And even when everyone says it's impossible, we still have to do everything to move closer to diplomacy. I believe that is the right approach. Because no matter what comparisons are made or what anyone says, the moment a ceasefire takes effect, human losses decrease from that point on. First and foremost, at the same time, our army stands and defends our land and our lives, and it will continue to stand as long as necessary. They are the ones on whom our independence depends.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Because, you know, the argument is that people make is that you don't have enough troops, that you are dependent on foreigners for weapons, and therefore you are actually in a vulnerable position. And sometimes President Trump has exploited that

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

we are vulnerable in this position. That is true. We are in a difficult situation. We do not have our own air defense production yet. This has been the case with many types of weapons and it keeps reoccurring. Either we found substitutes. We had no navy, we created naval drones. We did not have enough artillery. We developed our FPV drones and other systems we use. On the front, we had no missiles, no long range capabilities. We began building long range drones and started developing missiles. Today the issue is air defense. This is the most difficult problem. Protecting the sky, even partially. When you ask how Ukraine can become stronger in this war, the answer is clear. Close the sky. If civilians are protected, we have a covered back. People work, children go to school, the economy functions, there is money, there are taxes that then go to the front. In this way we strengthen the army. Unfortunately, this is not yet in place.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

When Joe Biden was US President, he was worried about Putin's nuclear threats. Nuclear saber rattling fear of World War three. Does Trump think the same way?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

We have different views regarding the Third World War. I believe that Putin has already started it. The question is how much territory he will be able to seize and how to stop him. Because Russia wants to impose on the world a different way of life and change the lives people have chosen for themselves. Therefore, I believe, and have long believed that Putin has already began this war and we are preventing it from becoming a broad, full scale third world war. Today, we are the outposts stopping Putin and Biden. He feared that if we carried out long range strikes, Putin may open the possibility of nuclear attacks, as you mentioned. And does President Trump think about this? I don't know. I don't think their views differ much. And in any case, it does not depend only on the institution of the president. It depends on the entire system. In my view, the US System is aimed at avoiding escalation in this war. Less escalation. And what does less escalation mean? First of all, in some ways slowing Ukraine down, because I believe their policy of reduced escalation is meant to reduce nuclear threats. But in my opinion, that does not actually determine anything. I believe the use of nuclear weapons depends solely on Putin and sometimes I think messages are conveyed to him by China. In the Middle east, it depends on such partner relationships.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Let's talk a little bit about the ceasefire talks which are going on. You have said that both the United States and Russia have told you that the way to get a ceasefire by the summer is from for you, Ukraine, to give up the 20% of Donetsk, that you still have, those so called fortress cities. Isn't that a reasonable thing to do? They're both asking for it.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Russia, I don't know. When they told America that Ukraine must withdraw from the territory of Donbas, essentially what you said, to give up 20% of the East. But I see this differently. I don't look at it simply as land or territory. I see it as abandoning, weakening our positions, abandoning hundreds of thousands of our people who live there. And I am sure that this withdrawal would divide our society. It would also place a burden on the military and on strengthening our state's defensive line in the east, where the strongest Russian groupings are. You withdraw from these lines to others. So who bears the burden? First of all, the military. Next, civilians. What will happen to the people who are there today? Slavyansk and Kramatorsk are Ukrainian cities. If our army withdraws, whose cities will they be? I am certain that no matter what Russia promises, it will do everything to ensure a Russian flag flies there. So I do not see this simply as give up 20%. What does give up mean? Why shouldn't Russia return our lands instead? From a pragmatic perspective, it may seem like an easier option, simpler. It would push us back somewhat.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

But isn't it a good price to pay if that satisfies President Putin? Do you think it would satisfy him.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

For a while. For some time it would probably satisfy him. He himself needs time, as you know, to patch up all the wounds and gaps. His army is wounded, not fully trained. He recruits 40,000, 43,000, 45,000 contract soldiers a month. All of this requires money he needs to restore certain parts of the economy. With the war paused, he would certainly work to have some sanctions lifted. That would boost his economy and his defense infrastructure, allowing him to increase both the quantity and the quality of his weapons. Many components are currently under sanctions and do not reach him. In my opinion, he could recover in a couple of years, no more. Where would he go next? We don't know, but that he would want to continue is a fact. Will security guarantees be strong enough for Ukraine to deter Putin's aggression?

[Jeremy Bowen]

You're listening to the interview from the BBC World Service.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

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[Jeremy Bowen]

I've been talking to the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky. I was really struck by the man's energy and resilience he has a really hard job, but he seems to be, in a presidential sense, for full of beans and full of appetite as well, to continue facing the challenges, the very real challenges that Ukraine has to deal with. Okay, let's return to that conversation with President Zelenskyy.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Why do you think it is that President Trump seems to put a lot more pressure on you than he puts on President Putin? He said the other day, ukraine better get back to that table very quickly.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

We are ready for negotiations at the leaders level with Trump and with Putin. I'm convinced that Putin needs to be pressured. He's not ready yet to sit down and talk at the leaders level. I don't know why. I do not need reasons why he is not sitting down. For us, it is far more important to find ways to force Putin to end the war. We need to sit down and reach an agreement. If we sit down and cannot agree, that is a serious challenge. Guarantees are given by leaders. In the case of Ukraine, this is more about institutions because we have a clear democracy and it is absolutely clear that presidents, governments and parliament will change institutionally. In Russia, it is not like that. In Russia, there is one leader, so an agreement is needed that their leader personally signs. Then there is a chance that for some period, possibly a long one again, depending on strong American sanctions, there will be no war.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

But there aren't going to be stronger American sanctions, are there? Because there's already a lot of talk, and you've spoken about this yourself, that the Americans in the background are getting deals ready to be done after a ceasefire when they can bring Russia back in from the cold. And that Trump is looking at billions of dollars of profit, potentially for the states as well as perhaps other people's businesses.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

It is difficult for me to speak about the economic matters that Americans are discussing with the Russians today. Trump. President Trump and his team have proposed sanctions they have been working on, and they look strong. There are also other elements. A clear understanding of how partners would respond in the event of renewed aggression. This is what we want for our society because our society has experienced aggression and people fear a recurrence of war. Compared to other security guarantees, this one looks sufficiently strong. For now, the groundwork is quite solid. That is what I want to say. That's all. In my view, Ukraine, even under pressure from Russia, looks quite dignified. For us, not losing our dignity is extremely important. Honestly, I believe that this sense of freedom and dignity is why we endured. So for us, it is very important that everyone speaks with respect. Russia and America cannot decide how to end the war here in Ukraine, without Ukraine, they cannot. Because, honestly, it looks as if you are not being treated as.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

It feels like that sometimes, though, doesn't it? It feels like that. Steve Witkoff, Trump's negotiator, goes to Moscow, talks to Putin, he comes back, the messages are then relayed to you.

[Jeremy Bowen]

It's.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

It seems to be. A lot of people would say that he is absorbing Putin's talking points, Russia's narrative, and they are putting it to you and getting you to agree that they're putting you under a lot of pressure.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Today. I cannot say this unequivocally. Do you know why? Because Wytkov says the opposite. I meet with your group more often than with the Russians. That is what he says. Indeed, I have had many meetings with President Trump, while President Trump has had only one meeting with Putin. Yes, that is true. In my view, the United States, and perhaps it is fair, I don't know, needs to stop the Russians, not try to please them, because they will lie anyway. They care only about themselves and their own interests.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Isn't it actually clear that President Trump thinks that. That Russia should be back in the world, that America should do business with Russia, and that, frankly, you guys, by insisting on continuing the war and fighting and are not making concessions, are making that difficult, getting in the way?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Yes, it happens in life. It is not that easy. I never wanted to interfere with the US There is the us there is Global south, there is Europe. And from the beginning of the war, we really wanted all of them to sanction Russia. We wanted them all to put some pressure on Russia because they're the aggressor. Of course, this war is painful for us more than for anyone. That is why we're the loudest ones.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

So you're not actually denying what I'm saying, that President Trump and the Americans would like Russia back and like to do business with them, and that actually for them, therefore, they would like you to make concessions so that Putin puts his signature on a ceasefire.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

I don't know. I will be honest with you. In my opinion, today, President Trump gives the signal to Russians that they will have joint economical projects only after the war. And maybe President Trump's tactics, I can't tell you all, but it looks like that. I think from the point of view of his personality, he wants to end the war. He speaks about it. From the point of view of internal politics, it is difficult for him to deal with Russians when they continue conquering our land and killing our people. I think Americans themselves will be against those things.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Donald Trump says different things at different times. But among the things he said is that you are a dictator and that you started the war. What do you make of that? It's not helpful. Is it for you?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

I'm not a dictator. I didn't start the war. That's it.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Can you trust President Trump, say, on security guarantees, because he is a man who changes his mind.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

It's not only President Trump. We're talking about America. We're all presidents for the appropriate terms. We want guarantees for 30 years, for example. And of course, political elites will change, leaders will change. Security guarantees will be voted on in Congress for a reason. It's not just presidents. Congress is needed because the presidents change, but institutions stay. Of course we need U.S. security guarantees. Of course, we clearly say and communicate that we need Europe among the security guarantors. Of course Putin does not want Europe. Why? Because he has the opportunity to discuss this topic regarding Europe. He cannot discuss security guarantees from America because America is stronger than him. And with Europe, he's trying very hard to push them out. This is a fact.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Do you think the Europeans are doing enough for you? And do you think that they recognize enough, in your opinion, that Russia presents a threat? They talk about it, but are they actually spending the money and essentially putting their money where their mouth is?

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

First of all, Europe gives money today, and I'm grateful for that. Secondly, and the Pearl program is one of the programs that we buy air defense with. Europe finances that. And we have to respect this program and Europe financing that. Is this enough? It depends. Let's be honest. There are those who give enough. If we are talking about one country, they give enough because they give a lot. There are those who give very little. There are those who even block the help. Here. I would like to say it is enough for this country or these countries not to do anything. But is this enough? No, but Europe, for the most part, stands for Ukraine and helps Ukrainians. Do we need more? 100%. We do not have the same number of weapons as the Russian Federation. We are not talking about people. Europeans have nothing to do with that. We are talking about weapons. When we are talking about people where Europeans can help us, are they able? Yes, if we make our army or when we make our army contract from mobilization to contract, this is what Putin does. He pays money to every person for the contract. We also want to do that, but we haven't got enough money. This is where the Europeans can help us. This program has not been financed by Europeans so far.

[Interviewer (BBC Journalist)]

Look, just to Finish up. I was looking back again at the video you recorded on the first night of the war, the famous one where you said, we are here. I am here. And you would be backed by your senior advisors. We're all here. It was immensely reassuring for people, Ukrainians who saw it, I think, and a lot of people around the world were impressed by it. But, you know, after four years, do you still have the energy to keep going that you would have had that night? What about the personal cost on you? You've got a tough job.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

Absolutely. The energy remains. It can't be any other way, because we are fighting for justice. I believe that. And it is important. Truth is on our side, and that is where the power comes from. We are definitely right 100%. Not even 90. We are definitely not aggressors. We are definitely doing the right thing, defending our country and punching the aggressors in the face. I believe that this is worth a lot. We don't know how this war will end, but for now, we're not losing. And this is important. And this adds strength, adds energy, and we definitely want to end the war. You know, it's not very difficult for me in this sense, because I don't have to choose my words very carefully. We're definitely right. We're definitely fighting the Russians. We're not calling this fight a special operation, to be honest, or any other operation. We have a war for survival. We want them to leave us alone. We hate all those who give those orders, and we are not going to forgive them. But we want this war to end. We are ready to sit down for negotiations with their leader. Not just anyone. This is Putin. We are ready to negotiate an end to the war. That is where the energy comes from. Here it is very clear what to do.

[Jeremy Bowen]

Thank you for listening to the interview. For more compelling conversations, search for the interview wherever you get your BBC podcasts, and you'll find episodes from Kyiv's Mayor Vitaly Klitschko and Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary General, plus many others. So until the next time, bye for now. This is not the future we were promised.

[Volodymyr Zelenskyy]

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