Ceasefire by winter’s end? Kuleba’s view

Ukraine has a chance to force Russia to halt its attacks next year, with the key goal being to mobilize the efforts of European and American partners.

Glavcom news outlet reported the comments.

“By the end of this winter there will be no ceasefire,” Kuleba said.

At the same time, he said there is a possibility of achieving a ceasefire during 2026.

“Yes. This will require systematic and consistent actions from the United States to pressure Russia; systematic and consistent actions from the European Union to expand weapons production; and systematic and consistent actions from Ukraine to address internal challenges,” the diplomat said.

Kuleba added that U.S. President Donald Trump must work seriously with Xi Jinping. China’s leader should be assured that “ending the war will not mean the end of Putin’s regime,” Kuleba said, commenting on these concerns.

“The greatest fear among the Chinese is that the war could end with the collapse of Putin’s regime. Instead, China wants a weak but controlled Russia. That is why Beijing does not want Putin either to win this war or to disappear,” the former minister stressed.

Finally, Kuleba addressed when it might be possible to speak of ending the Russian-Ukrainian war. The main condition, he said, is that Putin must be forced to accept that Ukraine has secured its right to exist as an independent, sovereign and European country.