And even HAMAS is “showing negotiability,” but not Putin, – Zelensky

The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia continues the war and systemic terror against the civilian population, completely abandoning the path of peace. Even the terrorist organization Hamas, he noted on October 9, 2025, in an evening video address to the nation, shows signs of participating in negotiations — unlike the Kremlin, which behaves like any other terrorist regime.

“Ukraine delivers counterstrikes, pinpoint strikes. And unlike Russia, we know what we want to achieve. Certainly, peace. We do not wage war for the sake of war, as Russia does. Even Hamas shows negotiability, but not Putin. For now.

Together with partners, we are creating conditions to force Russia to peace. This will happen. We support all global diplomatic efforts for peace in the Middle East and very much hope that fair pressure on Russia will lead to peace for Ukraine and our entire region. It is important that the leadership of the United States of America continues to work.”

Russia bets on destruction and fear

Moscow shows no political will to end the aggression.
Russian strikes continue on Ukraine’s energy and civilian infrastructure.
Zelensky emphasized: the Kremlin’s goal is to destroy the Ukrainian economy and keep millions of people in fear.

Ukraine, however, fights for protection and for peace.
The defense forces hold back the aggressor to force it to accountability, not to negotiations on ultimatum terms.

Ukraine and allies create pressure mechanisms

The President reported that Kyiv, together with international partners, is preparing diplomatic and legal steps that should force Russia to sit at the negotiating table.
This is not about compromise, but about restoring justice and preventing new acts of terror.

Ukraine supports global efforts for peace, including initiatives aimed at ending violence in the Middle East.
These processes show that peace is possible only under pressure on those who choose terror instead of dialogue.

Hamas and Russia: different wars — one method

Zelensky drew a parallel between the actions of Hamas and the Kremlin.
Both forces use terror, threats, and hostages to impose their will on the world.
But while international pressure forces Hamas to at least formally participate in negotiations, Putin does not even pretend to seek peace.

This, according to the president, is the main indicator of Russia’s isolation:
even terrorist groups are forced to make concessions under pressure, while the Kremlin stubbornly chooses the path of destruction.

Diplomatic initiatives and the role of the USA

Ukraine welcomed the efforts of the USA, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, which helped reach a temporary agreement between Israel and Hamas and ease the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry specifically noted the role of President Donald Trump, whose steps allowed for the release of some hostages and a reduction in the level of violence.

Kyiv views the agreements reached as an example that diplomacy can work if backed by real international pressure.

Ukraine calls for global unity against terror

Ukraine called for the agreements reached to be fulfilled in good faith to maintain the fragile peace in the Middle East.
At the same time, Kyiv emphasized: the main threat to peace today is Russian terror, and the international community must pressure Moscow with the same determination as it fights other sources of violence.

Zelensky expressed confidence that fair pressure on Russia will ensure peace not only for Ukraine but for the entire world.
Global security, he stressed, is impossible without victory over terror — in any form.

Conclusion

The comparison made by Zelensky became symbolic:
both Hamas and Putin are faces of terror, but the world cannot afford to live by their rules.

The difference is that international pressure forces some to at least pretend to be ready for dialogue,
while the Kremlin bets on destruction, lies, and fear until the end.