Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine’s continued resilience could significantly reduce Russia’s ability to prolong the war, linking sustained pressure on Moscow to the broader prospects of peace in Europe.
In a post on social media platform X, Zelenskyy said that endurance remains a critical strategic factor in countering Russian aggression. “If we know — and if Putin knows — that we can remain resilient, then his motivation to drag out this war becomes much weaker,” he wrote, framing resilience as a force capable of reshaping the aggressor’s calculations.
The Ukrainian leader described resilience not only as a defensive posture but also as a form of pressure designed to alter Russia’s military and political strategy. “This is how pressure on the aggressor should work — pressure that brings peace,” Zelenskyy said, underscoring Ukraine’s determination to prevent further escalation of the conflict.
Zelenskyy also highlighted the importance of strong and coordinated European leadership in sustaining this pressure. Thanking countries that continue to support Ukraine, he said unified political and strategic backing from Europe remains essential to maintaining stability on the continent.
“Europe must be strong,” Zelenskyy said, reiterating the need for collective resolve as the war continues. He warned that Kyiv has received indications suggesting Russia may be preparing to extend the conflict into the next year, raising concerns about Moscow’s long-term intentions.
In a separate message, Zelenskyy said that signals from Moscow point toward preparations for continued warfare rather than de-escalation. “Today, we heard signals that Russia is preparing to make next year a year of war,” he wrote, adding that these warnings should be taken seriously by Ukraine’s allies, particularly those who believe Russia is seeking an end to the conflict.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia’s official statements often contradict its actions on the ground. He cautioned that diplomatic language may be used as a tool to delay or undermine genuine peace efforts while continuing military aggression.
“When Russia adopts this mindset, it also seeks to weaken diplomacy — using negotiations as a cover while pursuing its goal of destroying Ukraine and legitimising the seizure of our land,” Zelenskyy said.
The Ukrainian president warned that such ambitions could threaten other European countries as well, noting that Russia has previously justified aggression by invoking claims of so-called “historical lands.”
Zelenskyy urged Ukraine’s partners to maintain and strengthen political, financial, and security support, including measures targeting Russian assets. “Real protection is needed against this pattern of Russian aggression, and we will continue working with all partners to ensure that protection,” he said.
He added that effective action requires courage and realism from Ukraine’s allies. “Political, financial, and security measures are necessary. Partners must recognise reality, accept it, and respond accordingly,” Zelenskyy said.
Expressing gratitude to supporters worldwide, he concluded by thanking the international community for standing with Ukraine during what is now the country’s fourth winter since the invasion began.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Wednesday that Moscow would achieve its military objectives and rejected claims of confrontation with the West. According to media reports, Putin dismissed Western warnings about a possible wider conflict as exaggerated and insisted that Russia’s goals would be fulfilled.
Putin also claimed that Russian forces had taken control of hundreds of areas over the past year, even as both Russia and Ukraine have intensified strikes on energy and infrastructure targets in recent weeks.
