Speaking to reporters late Thursday, Zelensky emphasized Ukraine’s willingness to pursue peace, but made clear that Moscow must first take concrete steps. “If Russia does not strike our energy infrastructure — generation facilities or any other energy assets — we will not strike theirs,” he said. “We want to end the war and we are ready for de-escalation steps.”
Zelensky’s challenge follows his statement that he would not be able to travel to Moscow to negotiate with Putin. However, he expressed openness to meeting both Putin and former US President Donald Trump for peace talks in any neutral country except Russia. “I can just as well invite him to Kyiv, let him come. I am publicly inviting him, if he dares, of course,” he added.
The remarks come amid continued Russian attacks on Kyiv. Despite Trump’s announcement on Thursday of a week-long ceasefire due to frigid winter temperatures, Russian forces reportedly launched one ballistic missile and 111 combat drones toward the Ukrainian capital overnight, according to the Ukrainian Air Force. Ukraine has yet to receive any official communication regarding the truce, and Zelensky indicated that Kyiv will rely on the United States to help enforce the pause in attacks.
The humanitarian situation in Ukraine remains dire, with temperatures expected to drop to -20°C, exacerbating wartime hardships. Many buildings in Kyiv and other cities are already plunged into darkness due to ongoing energy blackouts.
Meanwhile, Zelensky reiterated that territorial disputes remain a major sticking point in the negotiations. “So far, we have been unable to find a compromise on the territorial issue, specifically regarding part of eastern Ukraine,” he said. Russia has called for the surrender of the Donetsk region as part of peace talks, but Ukraine has firmly rejected any concession of land, insisting it will not yield to Moscow’s demands.
As talks for a ceasefire continue, the situation on the ground remains tense, with Ukraine bracing for both harsh winter conditions and continued Russian assaults.
