Zelensky's grim analysis: "Ukraine won't survive 10 years of war"

- Nobody knows how long this (war - ed.) will last. But not 10 years. Ukraine will not survive. This is a cost for everyone - said Volodymyr Zelensky a few dozen hours before possible peace negotiations in Turkey. The president revealed what he would like to achieve in direct talks with Vladimir Putin.

Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to a journalist from the French Liberation about the future of the armed conflict in Ukraine. The Ukrainian leader emphasized that he counts on Vladimir Putin being ready for a meeting and specific declarations regarding the cessation of hostilities.

- If I meet with him we should achieve a political victory . A ceasefire, an exchange of all prisoners or something like that - he said.

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According to the Ukrainian president, external mediators may be key in the talks, who will also be guarantors of compliance with the agreements between the two sides. This is due to the fact that "Russians will not trust" Ukrainians, nor will Ukrainians "trust Russians" .

Continuing the topic of possible negotiations that could begin on Thursday in Turkey, he stressed that they would only be effective if the Russian president attended.

- If Putin does not come, it will be perceived as a complete failure - he explained, adding that the Kremlin leader may be encouraged by the presence of US President Donald Trump in Istanbul.

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Asked how much longer the war could last, Zelensky admitted that "no one knows at the moment," but it certainly would not be a multi-year conflict.

- No one knows how long this will last. But not 10 years. Ukraine will not survive . This is costly for everyone, not only for friends but also for enemies - he concluded.