Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced in his evening address on January 30, 2026, that Russia must exhaust its financial resources to fund the ongoing war for any meaningful end to the conflict to become possible.

In his statement, Zelenskyy emphasized economic pressure as the decisive factor in altering Russia’s course. He noted intelligence indicating that Moscow is not shifting to a peacetime posture but instead preparing to sustain assaults at the current intensity. “They, in Russia, are not preparing for a transition to peacetime. They are preparing to continue assaults at the current level – exactly as it is happening now,” he said. He added that Ukraine would share this assessment with partners, along with examples of Chinese entities aiding Russia in evading global sanctions. “The only factor that can change the situation is economic pressure on Russia. The economy and the corresponding losses from the war are what Russia will reckon with. Russia must run out of money for the war to start coming to an end.”

Zelenskyy’s comments came amid reports of a temporary shift in Russian targeting patterns and discussions involving U.S. partners on de-escalation measures, particularly regarding strikes on energy infrastructure. He reported that overnight into Friday, Russian forces largely refrained from attacking Ukrainian energy facilities across most regions, with only one exception in Donetsk where aerial bombs struck gas infrastructure. He observed that Russia appears to be redirecting efforts toward logistics and railway junctions, including a strike that morning in the Dnipro region on a Ukrzaliznytsia power-generating railcar. Railway personnel continued operations to maintain nationwide connections despite the incident.

Throughout the day, conventional drone and aerial bomb attacks persisted in several areas, including a ballistic strike in the Kharkiv region on warehouses belonging to the American company Philip Morris, which triggered a major fire. Strikes also hit Nikopol, Kherson, and border districts in Kharkiv, Sumy, and Chernihiv regions. Zelenskyy described Ukraine’s stance as reciprocal.

He highlighted a U.S.-mentioned proposal for both sides to refrain from striking energy infrastructure for one week, with the countdown starting overnight. “The U.S. side spoke about refraining from strikes on energy infrastructure for a week – the countdown began overnight. How this all unfolds depends largely on our partners – the United States. Ukraine is ready to mirror the restraint, and today we did not attack Russian energy.”

The U.S. side spoke about refraining from strikes on energy infrastructure for a week—the countdown began overnight. How this all unfolds depends largely on our partners—the United States. Ukraine is ready to mirror the restraint, and today we did not attack Russian energy. pic.twitter.com/jiBYDCk6Wj

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 30, 2026

On defensive measures, Zelenskyy discussed a meeting focused on advancing a new short-range counter-drone air defense component to better protect against Shahed drones and other attacks on southern cities, villages, and border communities. He said clear tasks were assigned to the Air Force command and the Ministry of Defense, with resources available to implement them.

Zelenskyy also addressed domestic energy challenges stemming from prior disruptions. He instructed the government, led by the prime minister, to prepare a decision ensuring that households without heating in recent months face no charges for undelivered services. “People must not be charged for services they did not receive. If there was no heating, there should be no bills. It’s the companies, not the people, that must make the necessary recalculations. This must work without bureaucracy.”

In diplomatic updates, Zelenskyy mentioned a conversation with the president of Romania, thanking him for support and highlighting potential energy cooperation to bolster security for both nations. He urged swift action from Ukraine’s energy minister, government, and office teams. He expressed gratitude to European supporters ready to provide further assistance. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov provided ongoing reports on contacts with the American side, with Zelenskyy stating Ukraine’s readiness for substantive meetings in any effective format to implement agreed measures toward a dignified and lasting peace. “These meetings must be substantive, exactly as our teams have agreed and are working, so that everything that has been developed is really implemented for a dignified and lasting peace. And Russia must recognize that peace is necessary.”

I discussed joint energy projects with @NicusorDanRO that can significantly strengthen the energy security of both Ukraine and Romania. It is crucial to realize all of them. Our teams will continue discussions at the ministerial level. I thank the President and the people of… pic.twitter.com/tDOR2GqfeI

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) January 30, 2026

The address concluded with a call for continued resilience amid the prolonged conflict, now approaching its fourth year.