KYIV, Saturday, January 10, 2026 (WNP): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday reiterated that Russia remains the sole source of the ongoing war in Ukraine, asserting that Moscow bears full responsibility for prolonging the conflict and for its continued actions against civilians, diplomacy, and international partners.

In a strongly worded statement, President Zelenskyy said that Russia “deserves all retaliatory strikes and pressure” for its aggression and for efforts aimed at undermining peace initiatives.

He stressed that Ukraine is systematically monitoring and documenting Russian attempts to weaken Kyiv’s relations with its international partners.

“We clearly see which lobbyists Moscow is engaging, the channels through which it seeks to exert influence, and the internal operations it is attempting to launch in Ukraine and across Europe,” Zelenskyy said. He added that Ukraine’s response would be “tangible and coordinated,” involving the country’s special services, intelligence agencies, and close political cooperation with allied nations.

The Ukrainian president emphasized that countermeasures would include expanded sanctions and diplomatic actions designed to curtail Russia’s capacity to sustain the war. In this context, he welcomed renewed momentum in the United States Congress toward imposing tougher sanctions on Russia, particularly measures targeting Russian oil exports.

“This can truly work,” Zelenskyy said, expressing gratitude to international partners and supporters who continue to back Ukraine’s efforts. He underlined that sustained pressure on Moscow, combined with steadfast international support for Ukraine, remains essential to defending human life, upholding international law, and advancing prospects for a just and lasting peace.