Zelenskyy sees possible end of “hot phase” war by end-2026

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for parliament to intensify its focus on domestic reforms, saying stronger internal coordination could improve Kyiv’s position in future peace talks and help bring an end to the “hot phase” of the war by the end of 2026.

Speaking during a closed-door meeting with members of parliament, Zelenskyy urged legislators to play a more active role in addressing internal challenges, according to Ukrainian media outlet TSN.

The discussion reportedly centred on prospects for ending active hostilities, with the possibility of concluding the “hot phase” of the conflict by the end of 2026 raised, provided that security guarantees are secured.

Ukrainian MP Olha Vasylevska-Smahliuk confirmed that a significant portion of the meeting focused on potential pathways to de-escalation and conditions for ending active fighting.

Zelenskyy was quoted as saying that Ukraine should use its current position on the battlefield while warning against any arrangement that could allow Russia to resume hostilities after a pause.

He also said Ukraine expects European countries to play a moderating role in the peace process, while noting that a planned US delegation is expected to visit in the near future.

According to the sources, the US-mediated negotiation track is currently on hold, with Kyiv seeking a revised format that would involve a more active role for European partners.

By Aghakazim Guliyev