The Conversation with Dasha Burns Ukrainian President Zelenskyy on what it'll take to end the war
Feb 20, 2026
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president leading defense and diplomacy, and Clarissa Ward, CNN’s front-line correspondent reporting from Ukraine. They discuss what it will take to stop the war, the need for U.S. pressure and security guarantees, rising Ukrainian fatigue and morale challenges, and the political tensions between Europe and the U.S. Short, urgent, and grounded reporting from Kyiv and the corridors of power.
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U.S. Is The Decisive Pressure Point
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy says only the United States can stop Putin and Europe alone cannot exert sufficient pressure.
- He argues real pressure from the U.S. is the decisive factor to force Russia to end the war.
Sign Security Guarantees Before Territorial Talks
- Zelenskyy urges signing strong security guarantees with the United States as a precondition for trust.
- He also calls for a prosperity package to plan Ukraine's postwar reconstruction alongside security deals.
Budapest Memorandum Haunts Trust In Deals
- Zelenskyy highlights the Budapest Memorandum as reason Ukrainians distrust offers that lack enforceable guarantees.
- He insists security guarantees should come first so people will believe compromises won't invite renewed aggression.