Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly challenged Russian President Vladimir Putin to come to Kyiv, signalling Ukraine&rsquo;s willingness to pursue de-escalation if Moscow does the same. Zelensky said Ukraine would halt attacks on Russian energy infrastructure only if Russia stopped targeting Ukrainian energy facilities.
Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky stressed that Ukraine wants an end to the war and is open to confidence-building steps to reduce hostilities. However, he underlined that any pause in attacks must be mutual and verifiable.
Zelensky reiterated that he is unwilling to travel to Russia for negotiations but is prepared to meet Putin and US President Donald Trump in any neutral country to discuss peace. He added that inviting Putin to Kyiv was a public gesture meant to demonstrate Ukraine&rsquo;s openness to direct talks.
The remarks come days after US President Donald Trump claimed that Russia had agreed to a temporary, week-long ceasefire due to extreme winter conditions. However, Ukrainian officials have said they have not received any formal communication confirming such an agreement.
Zelensky stated that Ukraine is relying on the United States to help ensure any pause in fighting is honoured. Despite Trump&rsquo;s announcement, Russian forces continued overnight attacks on Kyiv, launching a ballistic missile and more than 100 combat drones, according to Ukraine&rsquo;s Air Force.
Ukraine is currently facing severe winter conditions, with temperatures expected to fall as low as minus 20 degrees Celsius. Ongoing Russian strikes on energy infrastructure have already left parts of Kyiv and other cities without electricity and heating, worsening the humanitarian situation.
As diplomatic efforts continue, Zelensky acknowledged that territorial disputes remain the biggest obstacle to peace. He said negotiations have so far failed to bridge differences over eastern Ukraine.
Russia has reportedly demanded the surrender of the Donetsk region as part of any settlement. Ukraine has firmly rejected this demand, maintaining that it will not concede territory under any circumstances.
With fighting continuing and no formal ceasefire in place, prospects for peace remain uncertain despite renewed diplomatic messaging from Kyiv and Washington.

Ukraine offers de-escalation as Russia continues strikes despite truce claims

Zelensky dares Putin to visit Kyiv amid war

Ukraine offers de-escalation as Russia continues strikes despite truce claims

January 30, 2026 | 17:09 IST