Wait. Stop for a second. If you’ve spent any time on social media lately, you’ve probably seen the take: "Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to end the war." It's everywhere. The idea is that he’s addicted to the spotlight, or maybe he’s just holding out for more "western money." Honestly, it’s a catchy narrative. It simplifies a messy, bloody conflict into a one-man villain arc.
But is it true? Like, actually true?
If you look at the raw data from early 2026, the reality is way more complicated than a simple "yes" or "no." Zelensky is currently navigating a diplomatic minefield that would make most world leaders quit. He’s balancing a new U.S. administration’s 28-point peace plan, a restless European Union, and a domestic population where 54% of people still flatly refuse to hand over the Donbas to Russia.
Calling this "not wanting to end the war" is a bit like saying a homeowner doesn't want to put out a fire because they won't let the arsonist keep the living room.
The "90% Agreement" and the 10% that actually matters
Here’s the thing. Recent reports from January 2026 suggest that negotiators are actually pretty close to something. Trump's envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, have been floating a revised 20-point plan. Zelensky himself recently admitted that about 90% of a potential peace deal has been agreed upon.
So, why are people still dying in the trenches?
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Because that last 10% is the part that defines whether Ukraine continues to exist as a country. It’s the "fine print" that includes:
- Territorial integrity: Russia is still demanding full control of the Donbas and other annexed regions.
- NATO status: The Kremlin wants a constitutional guarantee that Ukraine stays out of NATO forever.
- Security guarantees: Zelensky knows a ceasefire without "ironclad" protection is just a nap for the Russian army before they attack again in 2028.
Basically, the argument that Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to end the war usually ignores the fact that he has to sign something that won't get him deposed—or worse—by his own people the next day.
Why a "Weak Peace" is Zelensky’s biggest fear
In his 2026 New Year’s address, Zelensky was pretty blunt. He said Ukraine wants the war to end, but "not at any cost." He’s terrified of signing a "weak" agreement.
Think about it. If you’re Zelensky, you’ve seen this movie before. We had Minsk I. We had Minsk II. Both were supposed to stop the fighting. Both failed because they didn't address the core issues of sovereignty.
If he signs a deal that effectively turns Ukraine into a Russian satellite state, the war hasn't "ended"—it has just been postponed and moved inside the house. Critics say his refusal to compromise on territory is proof he wants the war to continue. But from his chair, ceding land without massive security guarantees is basically a suicide pact for the nation.
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The pressure from the "Coalition of the Willing"
It’s not just Zelensky in a vacuum. By mid-January 2026, the "Coalition of the Willing" (a group of European allies and the US) has been meeting to firm up legally binding guarantees. They’re talking about a system that activates the moment a ceasefire starts.
Europe is also putting its money where its mouth is. The European Commission just tabled a €90 billion support package for 2026 and 2027. This isn't "war mongering." It’s a hedge. They’re saying, "We want peace, but we’re making sure Ukraine is too expensive to eat."
The "Endless War" vs. the "Frozen Conflict"
There’s a lot of talk about Russia’s "endurance myth." While the Kremlin acts like they can go forever, their economy is showing cracks. Oil revenues are dropping, and the "shadow fleet" is getting squeezed.
Some analysts at the CSIS suggest that if Russia realizes they can't topple the Ukrainian government, they might prefer a "forever war" at a low intensity. This would keep Ukraine out of the EU and NATO indefinitely.
In this scenario, the claim that Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to end the war feels backwards. It’s often the aggressor who benefits from a war that never quite ends but never quite resolves, keeping the victim in a permanent state of limbo.
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What happens next?
If you’re looking for a resolution, keep your eyes on the first half of 2026. Zelensky has cautiously predicted that a conclusion might be possible within this timeframe, especially during the current EU presidency.
But for that to happen, three things need to break the right way:
- The U.S. Plan: The "living, breathing" 20-point plan needs to include security guarantees that the Ukrainian parliament can actually swallow.
- Russian Compromise: So far, Moscow hasn't budged on its demand for the 1991 administrative borders of the annexed regions.
- The Battlefield: As long as Russia thinks it can win a war of attrition, they have zero incentive to sign anything that isn't a total surrender.
Actionable steps for following the conflict
If you want to move past the headlines and actually understand what’s happening, stop looking for "victory" and start looking for "leverage."
- Track the "Shadow Fleet" Sanctions: The real war is being fought in the insurance markets and maritime laws that allow Russia to sell oil. If those tighten, a deal becomes much more likely.
- Watch the NATO "Plus" Conversations: Since full NATO membership is a red line for Russia, watch for "Article 5-lite" guarantees from individual countries like the UK, Poland, or France.
- Monitor Ukrainian Polling: Zelensky is a populist. He won’t sign a deal that the majority of Ukrainians see as a betrayal. If public opinion on territorial concessions shifts, the war ends.
The "Volodymyr Zelensky does not want to end the war" talking point is a classic oversimplification. He wants it to end—he just doesn't want to be the person who signed the death warrant for Ukrainian independence.
For anyone trying to keep up, the focus should be on the upcoming summits in early 2026. That’s where the "90% agreed" will either turn into a ceasefire or dissolve back into another year of stalemate.
Next Steps for You:
To see how this actually plays out on the ground, you should look into the specific details of the US-Russia 28-point plan (now 20 points). It outlines exactly what the proposed "military cap" for Ukraine would look like—a major sticking point for Zelensky’s defense strategy.