Zelenskyy Urges U.S. to Heed Signs of Russian War Preparations for 2026
BERLIN, Germany — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a stark warning on December 18, 2025, urging the United States and its allies to recognize and respond decisively to what he described as clear “signals” from Russia that it is preparing to escalate military conflict in the coming year. Speaking amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to end the war between Russia and Ukraine, Zelenskyy emphasized that Moscow’s recent actions and rhetoric indicate a troubling shift toward renewed aggression.
“Today, we again heard signals from Moscow that they are preparing to make next year a year of war,” Zelenskyy stated in a post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter. “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.”
The Ukrainian leader’s comments come as Russian President Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Moscow’s commitment to achieving its objectives “through either diplomacy or military force,” underscoring the persistent volatility of the conflict. Zelenskyy warned that Russia’s official military orders and strategic mindset undermine diplomatic efforts, aiming instead to mask its intent to destroy Ukraine’s sovereignty and legitimize territorial seizures.
“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,” Zelenskyy said. He further cautioned that Russia’s ambitions could extend to other European countries, potentially labeling them as “historical lands.”
In his message, Zelenskyy called for comprehensive measures to counter Russia’s aggression, including enhanced security provisions, financial sanctions targeting Russian assets, and coordinated political actions. “Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness, and we will continue working with all partners to ensure that protection is in place,” he affirmed. “The courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly.”
The White House responded cautiously to Zelenskyy’s call, with a senior official noting, “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.” The official’s remarks highlight ongoing diplomatic efforts despite the tense signals from Moscow.
Meanwhile, Ukraine has demonstrated advances in its military capabilities, recently conducting its first-ever underwater drone strike on a Russian submarine in Novorossiysk. Such developments underscore the complex and evolving nature of the conflict.
As the international community watches closely, the situation remains fluid. The U.S. Department of State continues to coordinate with European partners and NATO to assess and respond to the security challenges posed by Russia’s actions. The Department of Defense monitors developments on the ground and supports Ukraine through military aid and intelligence sharing.
Zelenskyy’s urgent appeal reflects the heightened stakes as 2026 approaches, with the potential for renewed hostilities threatening regional stability. The call for a unified and resolute allied response underscores the critical importance of international solidarity in the face of Moscow’s aggressive posture.
For further context on the diplomatic efforts and security measures, readers can consult updates from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the White House Briefing Room.
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