Glory to Ukraine!

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy Official website 

Ukraine Has Always Been and Will Remain on the Side of Peace, and the Only Reason This War Continues Is Russia 

– Address by the President

26 January 2026 - 19:01

 

Fellow Ukrainians! 
Briefly about this day.

Restoration of the energy sector after Russian strikes is ongoing round-the-clock. 

 

This concerns not only Kyiv, but also Kharkiv and the region, Zaporizhzhia, the Dnipro region – Dnipro and Kryvyi Rih – as well as the Chernihiv and Sumy regions – all areas where the situation is most difficult. 

 

Undoubtedly, Kyiv is facing the greatest number of challenges right now. 

I expect Kyiv’s city authorities to step up their work. Many cities and communities are ready to help, and the Government is ready to help – all instructions and capabilities are in place. One hundred seventy-four brigades are working – this is a significant resource that has now been directed to Kyiv. 

There are some results, but they are not sufficient. 

A significant number of buildings are without heating, including some that have been without heating for an extended period. 

I instructed the Government to allocate additional resources. 

 

The Ministry of Internal Affairs is working within its remit – we are scaling up assistance points and warming centers. 

 

 

• Everyone in the Government will work with partners to obtain additional equipment as quickly as possible. 
• I thank all our friends – countries across Europe, from Norway to Italy, Poland and Germany, the Baltic states, and many others who are supporting Ukraine, our cities, and doing a lot for Kyiv right now. 

Separately, I spoke today with the Minister of Defense about the protection of energy facilities, and also with the Commander of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.  

The command level of the Air Force must be significantly faster in providing protection. 

 

 

I also received a full report from our delegation today – the guys have returned after the trilateral meetings. 

For the first time in a long while, there was again a format involving the Americans and the Russians. 

• They managed to discuss a range of primarily military issues – those concerning steps toward ending the war and real control and monitoring. 

There are issues that need to be prepared for the next meeting. 

• Preliminary discussions indicated that the teams would meet again on Sunday. 
• It would be good if this meeting could be moved up. 
• Ukraine will be as fully prepared as possible on all matters that need to be discussed and agreed. 

Ukraine has always been and will remain on the side of peace, and the only reason this war continues is Russia. 

 

1. Real results from diplomacy are needed so that there is no impression that the Russians are also using the negotiation process for a very cynical and brutal purpose – pushing back new pressure measures against Russia that could actually work. 
2. And pressure is needed. 
3. It is precisely pressure and its consequences – the results of sanctions and the blocking of Russian operations – that work toward ending the war. 
4. Partners must not forget this. 

I thank everyone who stands with Ukraine! I thank everyone who is helping us! 

Glory to Ukraine!