Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an interview with podcaster Lex Fridman that a ceasefire with Russia will only be possible if Ukraine can also be given security guarantees, including from the United States. He argued that, without security guarantees, Russia could attack Ukraine again at any point, and implied that a renewed conflict would be a defeat for incoming US President Donald Trump.

Zelensky noted that Ukraine would accept an invitation to join NATO even if it only extends to the territories it currently controls. He called such an invitation a "small success" but added it would be a starting point toward ending the war while guaranteeing Ukraine's security.