Zelenskyy issues stern warning to Russia: Ukraine will respond to winter blackouts
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (facebook.com/zelenskyy.official)
Ukraine is ready to respond symmetrically to Russian strikes on its energy system during the cold season, but continues to propose a step-by-step negotiation path toward ending the war, states Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Response to blackouts
Ukraine has learned how to find ways to respond effectively to Russian operations, and if the enemy is preparing to strike civilian infrastructure, it will face comparable measures in return.
"If they impose blackouts on us, we will try to respond appropriately," the head of state stressed.
At the same time, he emphasized that there is an alternative that Kyiv has always supported — negotiations aimed at ending the war.
If partners find it difficult to reach Russia on a complete cessation of hostilities, they should move step by step:
- Unblock the Black Sea;
- Agree on a mutual energy ceasefire to protect both energy systems.
Humanitarian track
Volodymyr Zelenskyy also stressed the need to continue prisoner exchanges and secure the return of civilians, including journalists, as well as Ukrainian children.
According to him, this track is extremely important, and the parties should move toward holding a trilateral meeting.
Negotiation process and attacks on Russia
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the first results on the path toward peace could emerge by the end of September.
The Ukrainian side expects to hold important meetings with US officials later this month. However, the head of state considers significant progress in the peace process unlikely before Russia's State Duma elections.
At the same time, Kyiv is calling on the international community to increase sanctions pressure on Moscow and strengthen defense support for Ukraine to ensure that the aggressor does not feel immune from consequences.
Following another series of deadly attacks, Zelenskyy urged the world not to let Russia feel untouchable this winter, stressing that international restrictive measures should work directly toward stopping Russian aggression.
