Zelenskyj: Rusko se nechystá ukončit válku – Novinky

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned on May 11, 2026, that the Russian Federation is not preparing to end the war and that Ukraine must prepare for new attacks. The statement followed the conclusion of a three-day ceasefire that had been brokered by United States President Donald Trump.

In an evening address shared on social media on May 11, 2026, Zelenskyy stated that the ceasefire did not bring a cessation of hostilities to the front lines. He noted that fighting continued throughout the period and that the lack of peace indicates Moscow’s intentions to persist with its military campaign.

Reports indicate that at least five people were killed despite the ceasefire agreement. Ukrainian sources described a Russian military strategy involving an initial wave of bombing followed by the deployment of drones to target rescuers arriving at the scenes.

Zelenskyy observed that while Russian forces refrained from launching massive air and missile strikes during the three-day window, they did not stop attacks at key points along the front line. He emphasized that Ukraine is now preparing for renewed Russian offensives.

The failure of the ceasefire comes amid conflicting narratives from the leadership of both nations. While Zelenskyy warned of continued aggression, Russian President Vladimir Putin told journalists over the weekend that the conflict might not last much longer, stating that the matter is nearing an end.

Russia has accused Ukraine of violating the terms of the ceasefire. Conversely, Ukraine has maintained that Russian forces continued their assault in critical areas despite the agreement. Ukraine had previously expressed readiness for a longer-term ceasefire, a position that Russia had not reciprocated.

The current instability follows a period of heightened tension in eastern Ukraine. In earlier reports from March 2026, Zelenskyy highlighted the threat of a spring offensive in the Donbas region. During a visit to the city of Družkivka in the Donetsk region, the president emphasized the necessity of maintaining strong defensive positions to stop Russian advances.

Military analysts have estimated that Russia may deploy between 200,000 and 250,000 soldiers to capture the Donetsk region. Currently, Ukrainian forces maintain control over approximately one-fifth of the Donetsk region, including a belt of fortifications consisting of the cities of Slovjansk, Kramatorsk, Družkivka, and Kostyantynivka.

The Russian government has identified the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the Donetsk region as a primary demand, a condition that Kyiv has refused to meet. Analysts suggest that based on the current pace of the Russian army’s progress, it could take at least two years for Russian forces to achieve that specific objective.

Zelenskyy has urged partners in the United States, Europe, and other regions to recognize the strategic nature of Russia’s international partnerships. He warned that the cooperation between Vladimir Putin, the Iranian regime, North Korea, and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko serves the purpose of enabling these actors to execute military actions similar to those seen in the Donbas wherever they choose.

Despite the renewed warnings of attack, Zelenskyy stated that the pursuit of peace remains a priority.

But peace must come. We are working on it – on the defense of Ukraine and its independence, on ensuring security for our people – that is the most important.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy