"The farther Putin is from Moscow, the closer peace and ceasefire will be": Key Points from Zelenskyy's Interview with Financial Times
On July 7, Zelenskyy shared the main insights from his interview with the Financial Times via his Telegram channel. The full text is as follows:
First, air dominance determines victory—but Ukraine’s critical weakness lies in its insufficient anti-ballistic defense capability.
The nature of this war is undergoing transformation. Peace and victory will now belong to the side with greater tactical wisdom. Our situation remains extremely difficult, yet our frontline troops have held the line through sheer human sacrifice. While the conflict continues, ground frontlines have reached a stalemate; enemy forces at sea have made no breakthroughs. The decisive factor in the war has now shifted entirely to the skies.
The core of today’s struggle is control of airspace, which has fundamentally reshaped the entire war’s operational priorities. Our focus has pivoted toward the sky, and we now possess the capability to confront our adversary in the air. However, there is one major vulnerability in this contest—the lack of effective anti-ballistic missile defense. This remains a colossal challenge for us. We have zero reserves in this domain: no established anti-missile development programs, no inherited technological legacy from the Soviet era—all relevant technology resources are concentrated in Moscow, leaving Ukraine with nothing. We once gave up nuclear weapons, and without a nuclear deterrent, we cannot secure a place among the great powers’ security circles. Instead, we remain vulnerable to arbitrary attacks.
I firmly believe that the outcome of aerial warfare will ultimately be decided by tactical intelligence. As long as our allies continue providing financial support to sustain national operations, and as long as our soldiers hold the line—forcing Russian forces to pay tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands, in casualties for every kilometer gained—we can fully commit to securing air superiority. The sky will determine the course of this war. Those who master strategic thinking will be stronger—and ultimately, they will win.
Second, sustained strikes on Crimea carry significant strategic importance.
Recently, we launched operations targeting Crimea, including long-range and medium-range strikes. These actions aim to delay Russia’s military buildup on the occupied peninsula. Our targets included Russian military bases, ammunition depots, air defense systems, all aircraft runways, missile launch sites used against Ukraine, and the entire logistical supply chain. We successfully severed local logistics transport and seized control of Crimea’s fuel and energy infrastructure. We have also proven that Ukrainian forces are fully capable of achieving air dominance over designated areas and timeframes.
Before these Crimea operations, Ukrainian forces had already conducted multiple rounds of targeted strikes on Novorossiysk and various energy facilities and port infrastructures within the Russian Federation. Russia profits from its energy sector, then reinvests those funds into military base construction and arms production. With persistent strikes, Russian business elites are beginning to realize they cannot win this war. They are losing time and money at an unsustainable rate. To be frank, they will eventually lose their illusions—many of them previously believed they could swallow up Ukraine.
Third, continuous attacks on Moscow will force Putin to relocate east of the Urals.
Before our long-range strike capabilities could reach Moscow and St. Petersburg, Putin showed little concern. He assumed the war was far removed from the Kremlin. But when Moscow itself begins enduring repeated attacks, he will finally experience firsthand what Kursk Oblast, Belgorod Oblast, and Bryansk Oblast are suffering—and face reality.
If drones flying toward Moscow increase from hundreds to thousands, and if he personally witnesses and endures such attacks, his advisors will urge him to move east of the Ural Mountains. That moment will mark a pivotal turning point on the road to ceasefire. The farther Putin is from Moscow, the closer peace and an end to hostilities will be.
Putin fears for his personal safety deeply, as do Russia’s elite class. Where do Russia’s top power brokers live? In Moscow and St. Petersburg—these two core cities. We must extend our strikes to these cities, precisely because it is here that the decision-makers responsible for massacring Ukrainian civilians reside.
Fourth, long-range deep strikes against Russia represent a prolonged, arduous, daily mission.
It is clear that long-range deep strikes have always carried immense strategic value—and must be continuously pursued. This is a long-term, demanding, day-in-and-day-out task. Every citizen must maintain unwavering resolve. Frontline soldiers are true heroes, while the entire nation behind the lines must fully support the supply of ammunition and essential materials. As long as the whole country stands united, we will ultimately achieve a just and stable peace for Ukraine—this is our victory.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1870058739213312/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.