Zelenskyy Says Ukraine Ready for Ceasefire, Contingent on Russia's Commitment

New York, September 23, 2026 : Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed on Wednesday that his country's primary course of action remains self-defense and the protection of its territory, while expressing Kyiv's readiness to move toward diplomacy and a ceasefire — provided Russia reciprocates and offers credible security guarantees.

Addressing the United Nations General Assembly during its 81st session in New York, Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces are not targeting Russian oil facilities for their own sake, but rather to undermine and destroy the economic and military capabilities that Moscow relies on to prolong the war.

Citing estimates from Kyiv, Zelenskyy said Russian military losses reached between 248,000 and 249,000 personnel during the first eight months of 2026. He added that, over the same period, Russia launched more than 2,000 one-way attack drones in a single week in September alone, most of them equipped with jet engines, alongside approximately 1,700 aerial bombs and 19 missiles targeting various areas across Ukraine.

The Ukrainian leader also warned of the dangers posed by the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence in military operations, cautioning that the technology could soon reach a point where it decisively determines battlefield outcomes without full human intervention — a development he said could push the world toward a devastating arms race.

Zelenskyy said the continuation of Russian military operations, along with Moscow's expanding control over Ukrainian cities and territories, runs counter to diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war and reaching a settlement.

Source: QNA