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Zelenskyy: Moscow signals 2026 will be year of war

Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukrainian President

17 December 2025 22:16 (UTC +04:00)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on partners, particularly in the United States, not only to observe but to respond to recent statements from Moscow, which indicate that Russia is preparing for 2026 to be a “year of war”, he made the remarks in a video address, APA reports citing Ukrinform.

“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. 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,” Zelenskyy said.

He emphasized that Russia will attempt to undermine all diplomatic efforts by the world, and this must be understood.

“When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy – seeking, through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents – to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimize Russia’s theft of our land,” the President said.

Zelenskyy added that the aggressor country’s plans include seizing other European countries, which Russia might one day label their so‑called “historical lands.”