Additional Coverage:
- Zelenskyy calls for US to respond to ‘signals’ Russia is ‘preparing to make next year a year of war’ (foxnews.com)
Zelenskyy Urges Allies to Heed Russia’s ‘War Signals’ as White House Touts Peace Progress
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered a stark warning on Wednesday, calling on the United States and its allies to actively respond to what he described as “bellicose signals” emanating from Russia, indicating a potential escalation of the conflict in the coming year.
In a post on the social media platform X, Zelenskyy asserted, “Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war. These signals are not only for us. It is crucial that our partners see them, and not only see them but also respond – especially partners in the United States, who often say that Russia wants to end the war.”
This plea comes as the White House expressed optimism regarding ongoing efforts to de-escalate the conflict. A White House official, speaking to local media, noted, “Over the past few weeks, the President’s team has made tremendous progress with respect to ending the war between Russia and Ukraine, and as the President stated, he believes we are closer now than we have ever been.”
However, Zelenskyy countered this sentiment, emphasizing the contradictory nature of Russia’s actions. “Yet the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army.
This Russian mindset must be recognized – and acted upon,” he stated. He further warned that Russia’s diplomatic overtures could be a facade to mask its true intentions to dismantle Ukraine and legitimize its territorial claims, potentially eyeing other European nations as “historical lands.”
The Ukrainian President underscored the need for comprehensive protection against what he termed “this Russian case history of madness.” He called for a multi-faceted approach, including security measures, financial actions against Russian assets, and political initiatives. “And the courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly,” Zelenskyy concluded, expressing gratitude to Ukraine’s supporters.
Zelenskyy’s remarks were also conveyed in a Ukrainian-language video address.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a Defense Ministry board meeting on Wednesday, reiterated Russia’s resolve to achieve its objectives, either through diplomatic channels or military force. According to a Kremlin transcript, Putin stated, “The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved.
We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means.”
He added that the establishment of a “security buffer zone” would also be consistently pursued.
In the U.S., Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.), a vocal advocate for supporting Ukraine, weighed in on the situation via X, suggesting a more robust military response.
“Again… the U.S. should send 200 long-range and extremely accurate cruise missiles to Ukraine. Maybe then, Putin will get serious and seek peace.
Putin started this war, and he’ll stop this war once he realizes he cannot win and that the cost of war is too high,” Bacon posted.
The Trump administration has reportedly been engaged in efforts to mediate a lasting peace between Russia and Ukraine.