According to a Reuters report in the month, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine must do everything in its power to ensure that the war with Russia is ended through diplomacy next year.

Reportedly, in a radio interview aired on the day, Zelensky acknowledged that the battlefield situation in eastern Ukraine is difficult, with Russia making advances.

Zelensky said that American legislation prevents him from meeting with President-elect Trump before he takes office next month. The Ukrainian leader said he only wants to talk to Trump himself, not any messengers or advisors. He said, "With all due respect, as the President of Ukraine, I will only have serious conversations with the President of the United States."

Zelensky said, "From our side, we must do everything possible to ensure that this war ends next year—ending through diplomatic means."