Zelenskyy reveals Ukraine's proposals to end war with Russia

In Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that his government has submitted new proposals to U.S. negotiators aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Russia. This announcement was made during his nightly video address on August 11, 2026, amidst ongoing discussions about the war that has persisted for over four years. Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of U.S. support in strengthening Ukraine's defense capabilities, particularly in air defense, while also applying pressure on Russia to shift its focus towards ending the war rather than prolonging it.

The context of this announcement is critical, as both Ukraine and Russia have indicated that U.S. negotiators are expected to visit their countries soon. The last visit by U.S. negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to Moscow occurred in January, and they have yet to travel to Kyiv. The ongoing conflict, which began with Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, has seen numerous calls for a ceasefire from Ukraine, but negotiations have largely stalled, particularly following the escalation of tensions involving Iran.

Zelenskyy also raised concerns regarding Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections, suggesting that these elections could serve as a pretext for a new mobilization of Russian military personnel. He claimed that Russian authorities are preparing to announce a significant mobilization of several hundred thousand individuals immediately after the elections, which he referred to as a “pseudo-election.” This mobilization is seen as a strategy to create the illusion of public support for the war among Russians.

The political landscape in Russia is also noteworthy, as the ruling United Russia Party is expected to maintain its dominance in the parliament following the elections. The Supreme Court of Russia has barred the liberal Yabloko party, the only registered opposition party against the war, from participating in the elections, further consolidating the Kremlin's control over the political narrative. Zelenskyy's remarks highlight the precarious situation in which Ukraine finds itself, as it seeks to navigate the complexities of international diplomacy while facing an aggressive neighbor intent on expanding its military capabilities.