Zelensky says Russia preparing to prolong war despite peace talks

Thursday 18 December 2025 - 09:20

By: Dakir Madiha

Zelensky says Russia preparing to prolong war despite peace talks

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned that Russia is positioning itself for a protracted conflict, signaling plans to continue its military campaign through 2026. The statement underscores growing concerns in Kyiv that Moscow remains committed to expanding its offensive rather than pursuing genuine negotiations.

Russia vows to intensify its campaign

Zelensky’s remarks followed a declaration by Russian President Vladimir Putin, who told senior defense officials that Moscow would achieve its objectives in Ukraine, whether through diplomacy or continued military action. Putin asserted that Russian forces now hold a “strategic initiative” across multiple fronts and vowed to create a buffer zone along the border.

Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov reaffirmed the Kremlin’s intention to maintain offensive momentum, describing 2026 as pivotal for consolidating recent territorial advances. He added that regional tensions and Western support for Kyiv would ensure the continuation of what Moscow calls its “military operation.”

Ukraine calls for stronger Western action

In response, Zelensky urged Ukraine’s allies to recognize Moscow’s preparation for an extended conflict and to act decisively. He appealed directly to the United States and Europe, insisting that Russia’s calls for dialogue are a façade meant to “undermine diplomacy while pressing ahead with aggression.”

Zelensky emphasized that Western governments must adopt binding “security, political, and financial” measures, including the use of frozen Russian assets, to counter Moscow’s long-term war strategy. He stressed that inaction would only embolden the Kremlin’s military ambitions.

Europe weighs use of Russian assets

Zelensky is expected to take part in an EU summit in Brussels, where leaders will discuss plans to channel roughly €210 billion in frozen Russian central bank assets into Ukraine’s defense and economic support. The assets were permanently frozen following new EU measures aiming to secure long-term stability for Kyiv.

The summit coincides with renewed discussions between Ukrainian and US envoys in Berlin, described by Ukrainian officials as showing “progress,” though core disputes over territorial integrity persist. Washington has proposed long-term security guarantees closely tied to NATO defense standards, though officials caution that such an offer will not remain on the table indefinitely.