Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy addressed the nation in a video today, emphasizing that recent disruptions in peace negotiations are a direct result of Russian aggression, not Ukraine’s actions. Titled “Attempts to Destroy Ukraine Are Clear Evidence That Russia Is Not Seeking Agreements at All,” the video lays out Ukraine’s daily efforts to maintain critical services, energy supply, and community support amid ongoing missile attacks.
“Fellow Ukrainians! I started the day with a special format – this will be the case every day now, with everyone staying in touch – a special coordination call with everyone responsible for recovery and management under such an emergency,” Zelenskyy said. The calls include government officials, military leaders, regional authorities, and community representatives, focusing on Kyiv, Kharkiv, Dnipro, Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Chernihiv.
Central to today’s discussion was energy resilience. Zelenskyy instructed officials to ensure electricity imports and backup power systems are increased, while citizens remain informed through the 112 hotline and city assistance points. He also stressed collaboration with businesses and energy companies, including retail chains, to bolster local support networks.
“It is important that state institutions and local authorities maintain full communication with businesses and energy companies – with everyone who can now provide additional resources for our collective resilience,” he said. Zelenskyy also highlighted plans to coordinate curfew decisions to help entrepreneurs and allow business facilities to function as community support hubs.
The president emphasized the ongoing threats to critical infrastructure, including missile attacks on Kharkiv and Kyiv. “Today there were again severe strikes on Kharkiv – specifically on critical infrastructure, missile strikes. ‘Shaheds’ targeted Kyiv in the morning and are now attacking it again in the evening,” Zelenskyy said. He stressed the need to strengthen Dnipro and Odesa regions and maintain constant coordination with international partners.
Zelenskyy also addressed diplomatic efforts. He spoke with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte about missile procurement for air defense through the PURL initiative and maintained ongoing communications with U.S. officials. In his remarks, he clarified that Ukraine has never been and will never be a stumbling block to peace.
“When Ukrainians are left without power for 20–30 hours because of Russia, and when Russian strikes are aimed at breaking our energy system and our people, it is Russia that must be put under pressure,” Zelenskyy later stated on his social media.
The president concluded by thanking international partners and reaffirming Ukraine’s commitment to both public and private diplomatic efforts, while insisting that Russian actions—particularly attacks on energy infrastructure—prove that Moscow’s intent is to destabilize Ukraine rather than seek a genuine peace agreement.
“It is Russian missiles, Russian ‘shaheds,’ and Russia’s attempts to destroy Ukraine that are clear evidence that it is not agreements at all that Russia is seeking,” Zelenskyy said. “The time has come to put Russia under pressure and ensure the safety and resilience of our people.”
