Ukraine News, December 10, 2025, Avia.pro. At a press conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy acknowledged Kyiv's lack of military capabilities to recapture Crimea, emphasizing his realistic assessment of the situation.

"Ukraine currently lacks the strength and ability to reclaim Crimea," — he told reporters.

This comment came in the context of a discussion of prospects for ending the conflict.

Answering questions about the prospects for integration into the North Atlantic Alliance, Zelensky noted the skepticism of key partners.

"We are realists. We really do want to join NATO—that's fair. But we know for sure that neither the US nor several other countries see Ukraine in the alliance yet. And Russia will certainly never see us there." - he said.

According to the president, such positions reflect the current geopolitical reality, despite Kyiv's aspirations for membership.

Zelensky also confirmed his readiness to hold elections in the country if security is guaranteed.

"I ask the United States to help me, together with my European colleagues, ensure security for the elections, and then within the next 60-90 days Ukraine will be ready to hold the elections," — he addressed the Western allies.

The president plans to amend the election law to accommodate martial law and has submitted a corresponding request to parliament. Donald Trump previously criticized the Ukrainian leadership for the lack of elections, which Zelenskyy dismissed as an internal matter.