Zelensky counters Trump's claim that Ukraine obstructs peace talks

Friday 16 January 2026 - 16:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Zelensky counters Trump's claim that Ukraine obstructs peace talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly dismissed U.S. President Donald Trump's assertion that Ukraine is blocking peace negotiations. He insisted his nation has never obstructed peace efforts and never will, instead highlighting Russia's relentless assaults on civilian infrastructure as evidence of Moscow's true motives.

The dispute ignited after Trump told Reuters on January 15 that Russian President Vladimir Putin stands ready to strike a deal, while portraying Ukraine as reluctant. When pressed on why U.S.-led talks have failed to end the nearly four-year conflict, Trump pointed squarely at Zelensky.

The Kremlin swiftly backed Trump's view. Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters Thursday that they agree, noting Ukraine's decision-making corridor is narrowing.

European leaders pushed back forcefully. Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk posted on X that Russia rejected a U.S.-prepared peace plan, not Zelensky, and responded only with fresh missile strikes on Ukrainian cities. Czech President Petr Pavel, visiting Kyiv on January 16, acknowledged Ukraine's tough concessions but praised its compromise efforts. During a joint press conference with Zelensky, Pavel said Ukraine has done much to make proposals viable and urged collective pressure on Russia, which he predicted would reject any deal otherwise.

Zelensky centered his rebuttal on the human toll of Russian bombardments. In his Thursday evening address, he noted that Ukrainians endure 20 to 30 hours without power due to strikes aimed at crippling the energy grid and targeting civilians. He argued Russia bears the blame and requires pressure.

Ukraine declared an energy emergency as temperatures plunged to -19°C in Kyiv, leaving hundreds of residential buildings without heat after devastating hits on power facilities. Energy Minister German Galushchenko told parliament Friday that no power plant escaped the onslaught.

Diplomatic pushes continue amid public friction. Zelensky announced Friday that a Ukrainian delegation heads to Washington for talks on security guarantees and postwar reconstruction, potentially finalizing documents at next week's World Economic Forum in Davos. He remarked during the press conference with Pavel that the U.S. seeks an end tomorrow while Ukraine wants it today, attributing delays squarely to Russia. A Washington-based think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, observed that the Kremlin has stalled peace processes for months to extend the conflict and pursue military aims.