On Wednesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a compelling appeal to the United States and other allied nations in response to what he described as aggressive “signals” emanating from Russia. These signals, according to Zelenskyy, suggest that Moscow is gearing up for a continuation of the hostilities into the coming year.

“Today, we once again heard from Moscow that they are preparing to make the next year a year of war. These signals are not directed solely at us. It is vital that our partners recognize these signals and respond accordingly, especially our partners in the United States, who often claim that Russia is seeking an end to the conflict,” Zelenskyy emphasized in a post on X.

The White House has been approached by Fox News Digital for a comment on the matter. A representative from the administration highlighted the significant strides made in recent weeks toward resolving the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. “As the President has reiterated, we are closer now than ever before to achieving peace,” the official remarked.

In a related event, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was seen addressing media alongside Friedrich Merz, the Federal Chancellor, during a press conference held on December 15, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. (Image credit: Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pictured during a press conference with Friedrich Merz, Federal Chancellor, on Dec. 15, 2025, in Berlin, Germany. (Florian Gaertner/Photothek via Getty Images)

“Yet the signals coming from Russia are the exact opposite, taking the form of official orders to their army. This Russian mindset must be recognized — and acted upon. When Russia is in this mindset, it will also undermine diplomacy — seeking, through diplomatic language and pressure over specific points in documents — to merely mask its desire to destroy Ukraine and Ukrainians, and the desire to legitimize Russia’s theft of our land. And then come other countries in Europe, which someone in Russia might one day label their so‑called ‘historical lands,’” Zelenskyy asserted in the post.

“Real protection is needed against this Russian case history of madness, and we will continue working with all partners to ensure that protection is in place. Security measures are needed, financial measures are needed — including actions on Russian assets — political measures are needed. And the courage of all partners is required: to see the truth, acknowledge the truth, and act accordingly. I want to thank everyone who supports Ukraine,” his post concluded.

Zelenskyy also conveyed the message in a Ukrainian-language video.

In this photo distributed by the state agency Sputnik, Russia’s President Vladimir Putin speaks during an expanded meeting of the Russian Defense Ministry Board at the National Defense Control Center in Moscow on Dec. 17, 2025. (Mikhail TERESHCHENKO / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

Russian President Vladimir Putin declared during a Defense Ministry board meeting on Wednesday that Russia will accomplish its goals, through either diplomacy or military force.

“The goals of the special military operation will undoubtedly be achieved. We would prefer to accomplish this and address the root causes of the conflict through diplomatic means. However, if the opposing side and its foreign patrons refuse to engage in substantive dialogue, Russia will achieve the liberation of its historical lands by military means. The task of creating and expanding a security buffer zone will also be carried out consistently,” Putin said, according to a Kremlin transcript.

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., arrives for a House Republican conference meeting at the U.S. Capitol on May 6, 2025, in Washington, D.C.  (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., a staunch proponent of U.S. support for Ukraine, asserted in a post on X, “Again… the U.S. should send 200 long-range and extremely accurate cruise missiles to Ukraine. Maybe then, Putin will get serious and seek peace. Putin started this war, and he’ll stop this war once he realizes he cannot win and that the cost of war is too high.”

President Donald Trump’s administration has been attempting to help broker peace between Russia and Ukraine.