Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday issued a sharp challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin, publicly inviting him to visit Kyiv, while reiterating that Ukraine is prepared to halt its attacks if Russia does the same.
Zelensky said Ukraine would refrain from targeting Russian energy infrastructure provided Moscow stops striking Ukraine’s power facilities and other critical energy assets.
“If Russia does not strike our energy infrastructure — generation facilities or any other energy assets — we will not strike theirs,” Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv late Thursday.
“We want to end the war, and we are ready for de-escalation steps,” he added.
Kyiv Attacked Despite Ceasefire Claims
Zelensky’s remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump announced that Russia had agreed to a week-long ceasefire due to extremely cold weather conditions across the region. However, Ukrainian authorities said they have not received any official communication confirming the truce.
Despite the announcement, Russian forces continued their attacks overnight. According to the Ukrainian Air Force, Russia launched one ballistic missile and 111 combat drones towards Kyiv.
Ukraine is currently bracing for a severe cold wave, with temperatures expected to plunge to minus 20 degrees Celsius, worsening living conditions amid ongoing power outages caused by repeated strikes on energy infrastructure.
‘Let Him Come to Kyiv’
Zelensky also reiterated that it would be impossible for him to travel to Moscow for peace negotiations. However, he said he remains open to talks involving both Putin and Trump and is willing to travel to any neutral country for discussions.
“I can just as well invite him to Kyiv,” Zelensky said. “Let him come — if he dares.”
The Ukrainian leader said he is relying on the United States to help ensure any pause in hostilities is implemented and respected on the ground.
Territorial Dispute Remains Key Obstacle
As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelensky acknowledged that territorial disagreements remain the most difficult hurdle in peace negotiations.
“So far, we have been unable to find a compromise on the territorial issue, particularly concerning parts of eastern Ukraine,” he told journalists.
Russia has reportedly demanded that Ukraine surrender the Donetsk region as part of a peace settlement. Kyiv has firmly rejected the proposal, maintaining that it will not cede any territory.
