During a recent briefing with journalists via Zoom, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his firm stance against a ceasefire that would result in a divided Ukraine.

He highlighted that many cities and towns remain divided along the front line and stated, 'If you freeze the front line in some places, you would leave entire cities or villages without life.

Nobody is going to return to half a city.' He drew a parallel to Berlin during the Cold War, emphasizing that a divided situation would be unacceptable for Ukraine.

Zelensky recounted discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, during which he stated, 'I told President Trump frankly: Do we want another Berlin?

Do we want many such cities?' Zelensky reiterated that a divided Ukraine is not an option, a sentiment Trump reportedly concurred with.

Further discussions on the matter are anticipated.

Zelensky noted that Trump understands Ukraine's position and that the country will never legally recognize Russian control over occupied territories.

He underscored the urgency of achieving a complete ceasefire with Russia before entering negotiations for a permanent resolution to the conflict.

'If the Americans are truly committed to this (ceasefire), they can achieve it.

We have goodwill.

All of Europe supports this...

We are not afraid of anyone; we will get through this,' Zelensky said.

In his remarks, Zelensky pointed out that Russian President Vladimir Putin appears uninterested in ending the war despite having lost some tactical advantages on the battlefield.

'He is not in a winning position.

Six months ago he had more initiative, but the situation has changed — even though he still maintains control.

He does not even want us to withdraw a single unit from the Kursk region,' Zelensky remarked.

The Ukrainian leader reaffirmed Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire, countering Russian propaganda that suggests otherwise.

'Ukraine has shown that it wants the war to end.

We are stronger than he expected and ready for a complete ceasefire without any preconditions,' Zelensky declared.

He stated further that Putin would eventually need to find a way out of the conflict, as the international community would not accept his refusal to halt hostilities.

In response to inquiries about a potential visit from Trump to Ukraine, Zelensky emphasized the importance of such a trip, especially during the U.S. presidential campaign.

He expressed a willingness to invite Trump and his team to witness the wartime realities directly, engage with military personnel and civilians, and understand how the country is coping with the ongoing conflict.

'We are open to such steps, and I will always invite him if the opportunity arises.

But the most important thing is that he is willing and able to come,' Zelensky concluded.