Zelenskyy says late 2026-summer 2027 realistic window for Ukraine peace deal

The most realistic window for a diplomatic settlement to end Russia's war with Ukraine is late 2026 through summer 2027, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Sunday.

Speaking at a ceremony marking National Flag Day in Kyiv, Zelenskyy said the two sides remained divided over the issue of Ukraine's withdrawal from Donbas as part of efforts to reach a settlement.

"We believe that this is the most active stage at which diplomacy can lead to the end of the war. It's the end of this year and the end of summer 2027," he said.

One cease-fire option being discussed with the US and Europe involves the reciprocal withdrawal of forces and the creation of a buffer "free economic zone" administered by a third party, he said.

Ukraine is ready to discuss a mutual halt to strikes on energy and agricultural infrastructure, he added.

Leaders of the Scandinavian countries and the Baltic States took part in Sunday's event.

- Defense budget shortfall

Zelenskyy also said Ukraine faces a $27 billion shortfall in its defense budget, with $8 billion to $10 billion needed in advance to cover the beginning of 2027.

Nearly $20 billion more is required for military salaries, payments to families of service members killed on the frontlines, and other expenses, he said.

The Ukrainian president said Kyiv has not yet reached mass production of its own ballistic missiles due to technical issues, adding that two companies are working on the program.

"When there is mass production, then we will be able to deliver painful strikes against the enemy in response to their terror," he said.

According to him, Ukraine could begin producing missiles for Patriot air defense systems jointly with Raytheon.

He said the US company had already held an initial technical meeting with Ukrainian officials, while Ukrainian defense company Fire Point was selected as a project partner.

Zelenskyy noted that Kyiv expects an assessment in the coming weeks on the project's timeline and feasibility.

He also announced deliveries of French air defense radars and a SAMP/T system in the fall, adding that agreements on additional Aster 30 missiles are expected to be signed in September.

Zelenskyy also said Ukraine had reached an agreement with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on the delivery of 600 PAC-2 missiles for Patriot systems in 2027-2028, noting that PAC-2 missiles can also intercept ballistic missiles, although more interceptors are required for such engagements.

According to him, Ukraine needs about 360 Patriot missiles for the winter period, while global annual production is about 600.

- Rules out election during war

Zelenskyy also said SpaceX founder Elon Musk had rejected Ukraine's request to use Starlink satellite communications over Russian territory for defense-related purposes.

At the same time, Zelensky said that Ukraine is now receiving more encouraging signals from Musk's team and continues to seek a resolution.

He also confirmed that Ukraine has been deliberately targeting the warehouses of Wildberries, Russia's largest online retailer.

"Why do we hit Wildberries in particular? Because this is both the supply of military goods and a lot of money," he said.

On domestic politics, Zelenskyy described holding elections during the war as a "tsunami for the state" that could divide Ukraine.

He also said anti-corruption agencies should operate independently.

Commenting on an investigation involving senior officials in the presidential office, Zelenskyy said there had been sufficient grounds to dismiss presidential office deputy head Iryna Mudra immediately after searches were conducted at her premises.