Zelenskiy: Ukraine faces peace talks or escalation with Russia this winter

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy stated that his country faces two scenarios this winter: peace negotiations with Russia or an escalation of the conflict. He also commented on changes in military command, plans for a US visit, and Russia's ongoing attacks.

Scraper SystemJuly 23, 2026, 10:11 PM

Zelenskiy: Ukraine faces peace talks or escalation with Russia this winter

Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy stated at a joint press conference with the Irish Prime Minister that his country will face two main paths in relations with Russia in the upcoming winter period. Zelenskiy said, "This winter there are two paths before us. First, God willing, to give strength to our army, because resistance at the front is crucial for us to sit at the negotiating table with Russia and end this war. This is my priority, I am focused on it."

He stated that the second path is the escalation of the war and increased mobilization, which is the alternative Russia always seeks. The Ukrainian leader said, "Yesterday I listened to a comprehensive intelligence report. There are those around Putin who want to end the war, foreseeing an economic collapse. But there are also military figures who want to expand the war."

Restructuring in Military Command

Zelenskiy announced that a "reset" of the personnel structure in the Ukrainian army is planned. "There will be a personnel renewal in the army. I am awaiting proposals from the new commander-in-chief," the President said, adding that he hopes for cooperation between Mykhailo Drapatyi, successor to former Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi, and former Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.

He listed the main tasks of the new military command as closing the airspace and resolving the mobilization issue. "Closing the airspace, the issue of TЦК (military enlistment office), and the normal, so to speak, appearance of mobilization – all of this will need to be done jointly. Unfortunately, such cooperation has not materialized before," he said.

Zelenskiy also emphasized that the positions he offered Mykhailo Fedorov did not include the defense ministry. He noted that he offered Fedorov the position of Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine – Military Innovation.

US Visit and Trilateral Talks Plan

The Ukrainian leader announced that he may visit the US soon, with the main agenda being ways to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Speaking on Thursday, July 23, he said he discussed organizing a new meeting with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff.

Zelenskiy, relaying that Washington has prepared several proposals it plans to discuss with both Ukraine and Russia, stated that a new round of trilateral talks in the "Ukraine – US – Russia" format to end the war must take place before autumn. He noted that in a phone call with US officials, he received proposals that the Americans will later discuss with the Russian side.

Russian Attacks and Call for Patriots

Zelenskiy announced on his social media account that three people died in an air bomb attack by the Russian Armed Forces on a facility in Pavlohrad, Dnipropetrovsk region. "As of now, it is known that three people died in Pavlohrad as a result of a Russian air bomb hitting a facility. I offer my condolences to their families and loved ones. Dozens were injured," he said.

Zelenskiy, stating that Russian troops also attacked Kherson with air bombs, causing infrastructure damage and injuries, reported that critical infrastructure in Sumy and Kharkiv regions was also targeted, and that missile attacks were launched on the Odesa region.

Underlining that Ukraine's ability to repel such attacks is "of key importance," Zelenskiy called on partners for an uninterrupted supply of missiles for Patriot air defense systems. "Our partners know what solutions can help. First of all, there should be no shortage of missiles for Patriot systems. It is important that our partners hear this. We are working around the clock at all levels," he said.

Zelenskiy: Ukraine faces peace talks or escalation with Russia this winter