Zelenskyy Signals He Won’t Seek Another Term, Says Ending War With Russia Is His Only Goal

<p>Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has signalled he will step aside once the war with Russia is over, saying his priority is securing peace rather than holding on to power.</p>
<p>&ldquo;My goal is to finish the war, not to continue running for office,&rdquo; Zelenskyy told Axios in a candid interview, offering one of his clearest indications yet that he does not plan to remain in office indefinitely.</p>
<p>Since Russia&rsquo;s full-scale invasion in 2022, Zelenskyy has emerged as the face of Ukraine&rsquo;s resistance, garnering global recognition and support. But Moscow has repeatedly questioned his legitimacy. Earlier this year, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov told NBC News that the Kremlin would not recognise Zelenskyy&rsquo;s signature on any peace deal, describing him only as the &ldquo;de facto head of the regime.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>&lsquo;Russia Refuses&rsquo; Ceasefire</h2>
<p>Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly this week, Zelenskyy ruled out the possibility of a ceasefire, accusing Moscow of having no real interest in peace. He alleged that Russia had abducted thousands of Ukrainian children, destroyed civilian infrastructure, and destabilised Europe.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Ukrainians are peaceful people, even during bloodshed,&rdquo; he told world leaders, before posing a pointed question: &ldquo;How long will it take to bring our children home?&rdquo;</p>
<p>Zelenskyy also warned that Moldova could fall under Russian influence if Europe failed to act, pressing for stronger international backing. Highlighting Ukraine&rsquo;s reliance on drones over heavy weaponry, he contrasted his country&rsquo;s resourcefulness with Russia&rsquo;s show of military might.</p>
<p>&ldquo;Ukraine doesn&rsquo;t have the big fat missiles dictators love to show off in parades,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;Instead, we had to develop drones to protect our right to life. We succeeded in the Black Sea because Russia left us with no other choice.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>A Call to the World</h2>
<p>The Ukrainian leader urged governments to take a firm stand against Moscow, warning that inaction would carry far greater costs in the long run.</p>
<p>&ldquo;The facts are simple: Stopping Putin now is cheaper than trying to protect the world&rsquo;s ports or ships later. It is easier than a global arms race,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;War has already reached too many people. Don&rsquo;t stay silent while Russia keeps dragging this war on. Please speak out and condemn it.&rdquo;</p>