Post by : Meena Ariff

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a bold challenge to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday, daring him to come to Kyiv as Ukraine insists it will only stop its military actions if Russia halts its attacks first.

This comes despite recent announcements of a week-long ceasefire, reportedly agreed upon due to the severe winter conditions gripping the region. However, Russian forces continued their relentless assault on the Ukrainian capital overnight. According to Ukrainian military sources, Russia launched one ballistic missile and deployed 111 combat drones targeting Kyiv, signaling that hostilities are far from over.

Speaking to the press late Thursday, Zelensky outlined a conditional stance for peace: “If Russia refrains from striking our energy infrastructure — including power plants and other vital assets — we will not target theirs.” He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war and showed readiness for de-escalation efforts, underscoring the urgency of peace.

On the topic of peace negotiations, Zelensky made clear his unwillingness to visit Moscow for talks but expressed openness to meet both Putin and the U.S. President anywhere else. “I can invite him to Kyiv. Let him come, if he dares,” Zelensky said, emphasizing the seriousness of his invitation.

While the U.S. leadership announced that Putin had agreed to the ceasefire amid the harsh cold, Ukraine has not yet received any formal confirmation of the truce. Zelensky expressed hope that the United States would help ensure the ceasefire is upheld, particularly during the challenging winter period.

As temperatures plunge toward minus 20 degrees Celsius, many Ukrainians face worsening conditions. Several cities, including Kyiv, remain shrouded in darkness due to energy blackouts caused by ongoing attacks on infrastructure, deepening the suffering of civilians.

Meanwhile, peace talks continue but remain stalled over the critical issue of territorial control. Russia demands Ukraine’s surrender of the Donetsk region, a demand firmly rejected by Kyiv. Ukraine remains resolute in defending its territorial integrity, refusing to concede any land in the ongoing conflict.

The situation remains tense, with hopes for peace tempered by continued violence and unresolved disputes.

#world news #Global News