01.09.2026 10:20
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed his own citizens in a video statement. Zelensky said, 'All signals coming from Russia indicate that the Russian leader personally wants more war,' adding, 'September can change many things, and together with our partners, we must do everything we can to protect people, defend life, and work for peace.'
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said, "A lot can change in September. Together with our partners, we must do everything to protect people, lives, and peace."
In a video message released yesterday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that he discussed the situation on the front line in Ukraine and Russia's attacks with US President Donald Trump's representatives, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner.
"A LOT CAN CHANGE IN SEPTEMBER"
Stating that the US representatives are preparing for talks with the Russian side, Zelensky said, "Unfortunately, for now, all intelligence data from both us and our partners, and all signals from Russia, indicate that the Russian leader personally wants more war. Even though the vast majority of his own society would agree to stopping the war on the current contact line. We will see what the US President's representatives can achieve. September can change many things, and together with our partners, we must do everything we can to protect people, defend life, and work for peace."
EMPHASIS ON IMPORTANT AGREEMENTS WITH KEY PARTNERS
In his video statement, Zelensky said the following:
"Dear Ukrainians! Today, I received reports from the Commander-in-Chief and the Security Service of Ukraine regarding Ukraine's long-range strikes in response to Russian attacks. We are preparing our steps, our new steps.
With the Prime Minister and our diplomatic team, we discussed September activities in detail. We have many plans. All our talks and negotiations should be felt here in Ukraine, both in our defense capacity and in additional energy packages for Ukraine.
At the political level, we already have very concrete agreements with leaders. We need to implement them at the level of our countries' ministries and enterprises."
This applies to Canada, the European Union, Britain, Norway, and the United States. We have important agreements with France, Britain, Germany, and our other key partners.
"WE MUST MAXIMIZE SUPPORT BEFORE WINTER"
There is a need for clear oversight of issues agreed upon at the political level but not yet actually implemented. Every ministry should have a report on this, and it should cover state companies, especially energy companies. We must maximize support before winter.
Today, there is also a decision by the National Security and Defense Council (NSDC) regarding resilience plans for regions and communities. The Council clearly analyzes which tasks have not been completed on time by which regions and cities. The Council has clear requirements for what needs to be done for each area.
We just met with US President's representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. They are preparing to meet, communicate with the Russian side, and visit Ukraine.
We discussed our positions. I briefed Steve and Jared on the situation in Ukraine, changes on the front line, and Russian attacks. We talked about what can be done to encourage Russia to enter the path of ending the war. In Moscow, in Putin, there needs to be a mood to end rather than fight.
"PUTIN WANTS TO CONTINUE THE WAR"
Unfortunately, for now, all intelligence data from both us and our partners, and all signals from Russia, indicate that the Russian leader personally wants more war. Even though the vast majority of his own society would agree to stopping the war on the current contact line. We will see what the US President's representatives can achieve. September can change many things, and together with our partners, we must do everything we can to protect people, defend life, and work for peace.
I want to thank everyone who stands with Ukraine, thank you to everyone who helps us. Glory to Ukraine!"