Kyiv, 18 December (H.S.): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned Wednesday that Moscow's directives signal preparations for another year of war in 2026, urging allies—particularly the United States—to furnish robust security, financial, and political countermeasures .

In his evening address, Zelensky highlighted Russian army orders contradicting claims of de-escalation, accusing the Kremlin of masking territorial ambitions through diplomacy while eyeing European historical lands post-Ukraine. This comes ahead of Thursday's critical Brussels summit of European leaders, where Zelensky implored a unified front to render Russian aggression futile.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, convening top defense officials the same day, vowed undoubtedly to fulfill war aims—including annexing four regions and Crimea—via diplomacy or force, dismissing Western readiness as hysteria and lies. He touted 300 territories liberated in 2025 and plans to widen a border buffer zone, while prioritizing drone supremacy and the Oreshnik missile's deployment .

Concurrently, mutual energy strikes intensify: Ukraine notched record refinery hits in November, crippling Rosneft's Saratov and Ryazan plants, as Russia pummeled Zaporizhzhia with glide bombs injuring 26.

Diplomatic Flickers Amid Grim Outlook

Zelensky's plea underscores Kyiv's push for NATO-caliber guarantees post-Berlin talks with Trump envoys, amid U.S.-Russia Miami parleys . Putin prefers negotiation to excise conflict root causes but threatens escalation sans concessions like Ukraine's NATO waiver. As winter bites in this fourth grueling year, Zelensky affirmed resolve: Real protection is needed against this Russian story of madness.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar