Ukraine aims to push Russia toward peace this autumn, says Zelensky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Kyiv will intensify its diplomatic, economic, and military efforts to increase pressure on Russia in an attempt to bring the war to an end before winter.

Speaking on Monday at a meeting of Ukraine's ambassadors in Kyiv, Zelensky said Ukraine aims to push Moscow toward accepting peace during the autumn of 2026, CE Report quotes MOLDPRES.

"We will do everything we can to make this happen before winter, this autumn. But we fully understand who we are dealing with, and that Putin hopes to prolong this war," Zelensky said.

According to the Ukrainian president, the Kremlin is preparing a new mobilization campaign and additional attacks, indicating that Russia intends to continue the conflict.

"We see Russia's true intentions, we are uniting our partners, and we are increasing pressure on the aggressor," he said.

Zelensky explained that Ukraine's strategy combines diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions imposed by partner countries, and strikes on Russian infrastructure supporting the war effort.

He said Kyiv's goal is to increase pressure to a level that leaves Russia "no alternative but peace," while acknowledging that it is impossible to predict exactly when that pressure will produce results.

Zelensky also reiterated that Ukrainian strikes on Russian military, logistics, and energy facilities are intended to raise the cost of the war for the Kremlin and encourage Russia to enter peace negotiations.

Photo: Presidency Office of Ukraine