Zelenskyy in Paris: “There Are No Lines for Evil”

From sanctions to peacekeepers, Ukraine’s president outlines red lines and resolve in a high-stakes post-summit address

At a press conference following the March 27 “coalition of the willing” summit in Paris, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a series of pointed remarks on sanctions against Russia, U.S. leadership, and the evolving framework for European security. Below is a full transcript of his key statements, offering a window into Kyiv’s strategy.

On the abolition of anti-Russian sanctions:

"Until this war ends with a just peace, this will not happen. This is a signal from European countries."

On the US position on Russia:

"This is not even a question, but we need it: for America to be stronger in relation to Russia. We really want the US president to be stronger in relation to the head of the Kremlin ."

(regarding working with the White House)

"[This] requires working with the White House, in particular, at the level of leaders, official diplomacy, and other 'channels.'"

On a possible visit to Washington and a fossil fuel deal:

"I don't plan to go to Washington yet — this issue is not on the agenda. We already have many agreements on minerals, and I would like to approach this issue practically, not theoretically. It is important to wait for the final version of the next agreement from the US, because the conditions are constantly changing."

"It is too early to talk about an agreement, the version of which has changed repeatedly. But I would not like there to be a feeling in the US that Ukraine is against it as a whole. We have constantly shown our positive signals. We are for cooperation with the US. We do not want to give any signals, to induce the US to stop aid to Ukraine, or to stop the exchange of intelligence. It is important for us to preserve all this and therefore we act constructively every day."

On who should represent Europe at the negotiating table:

"Europe is very big and it must have clear representation at this negotiating table. Today we all agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the United Kingdom — Macron and Starmer. This is a common position of all leaders."

"I am not afraid of any negotiation format… it is Putin who is not ready for direct negotiations."

On a peacekeeping contingent in Ukraine:

"There are many proposals from leaders — there have been more of them. The fact that the number of countries is increasing — some in the sky, some in air defense, some on the ground, at sea (ready — ed.) to provide security guarantees to Ukraine — is good news. As for the actions of this contingent, what it can do, there are still many questions and few answers. There will be a meeting. Franco-British. I think that some more can join."

"I think it will be in the next seven to ten days from the meeting that Macron announced. We will propose a basic idea."

"First, we would like to act together with the US so that these security guarantees are provided by both Europe and the US, and I constantly emphasize this. And the number of European partners also depends on the presence of the US. We will have more contingents if the US supports us."

"We have not yet discussed the issue of sending a contingent with the United States."

On the negotiations in Saudi Arabia:

“It was important for us to unblock assistance, regain access to intelligence, and demonstrate that we seek to end the war through diplomacy — to stop further loss of life.”

On a temporary ceasefire:

“I don’t believe these are reasonable agreements. Today there were strikes on Kherson — on the train station and the energy infrastructure. The city lost power. I believe there should be a response from the United States.”

A pivotal moment in his speech to the French Parliament revealed how he views the ceasefire proposal — not as a solution, but as a dangerous illusion:

“Can Putin win the war? No — because you and I have no right to lose. Can this war end on the current front lines? No — because there are no lines for evil, just as there were none 80 years ago. And if someone tries to draw temporary lines themselves, it will only grant a pause before a new war.”