Russia (Washington Insider) - Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned that Russia plans a “year of war” in 2026 after Putin vowed to achieve goals, including seizing Ukrainian territories, signalling heightened military threats and regional instability.
As Alarabiya English News reported, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday, Dec 17, 2025, that Russia is preparing to make 2026 a “year of war” against his country.
His statement followed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s claim that Moscow will “certainly” achieve its goals in Ukraine. These goals include taking control of territories that Ukraine and the international community consider part of Ukraine.
What is Zelenskyy warning about Russia’s “Year of War” in 2026?
Analysts said Putin’s remarks could mean that Russia is planning a more aggressive phase of the conflict next year. Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine must stay ready and continue defending itself on all fronts.
The warning comes after a year of continuous fighting in Ukraine. Ukrainian forces have faced repeated attacks across many regions. Zelenskyy said Ukraine needs strong international support to strengthen its defence systems.
On February 24, 2022, Russia started invading Ukraine by launching a wide-ranging offensive against it. The conflict has spread to multiple areas in Ukraine, including eastern and southern Ukraine, with enormous casualties and extensive destruction caused by the conflict.
Russia has claimed ownership of some areas of Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia; however, Ukrainian forces have counterattacked to reclaim their territory. There were attempts at establishing peace between both parties in 2023 and 2024; however, conflicts continued to arise during those years.