Kira Rudik: Putin’s ‘Peace’ Claims Contradicted by Ongoing Attacks on Ukrainian Cities
HANDOUT // Ukrainian politician Kira Rudik provided for T2 by her publicist from https://www.flickr.com/photos/198008090@N08/albums/
By Solange Reyner | Monday, 29 December 2025 02:08 PM EST
Ukrainian Parliament member Kira Rudik said Monday that any plan to end Russia’s war against Ukraine must ultimately be approved by her fellow parliamentarians, stressing that no agreement can be legitimate without democratic consent.
Rudik emphasized the potential impact of a U.S. president’s visit to Ukraine, noting such an in-person trip would allow the leader to witness the devastation caused by Russian attacks and hear directly from Ukrainians who have lost their homes, families, and livelihoods.
“Well, of course, having President Trump in Ukraine will be a huge deal first because he will be able to see firsthand what Russia has done to our country,” Rudik said.
She added that such a visit would force a confrontation with the reality on the ground rather than relying on what she described as misleading narratives from Moscow.
Rudik accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of lying about his intentions to pursue peace, pointing to continued attacks on Ukrainian cities during supposed negotiation efforts. “Every time there is a round of negotiation, Putin keeps attacking our cities, trying to kill as many people as possible,” she said, specifically citing strikes on critical energy infrastructure.
At the time of her remarks, Rudik noted conditions in Kyiv remained dire: many residents have electricity for only two or three hours a day, while others face complete loss of heat and running water.
These hardships, she argued, directly contradict Putin’s claims that he wants to end the war and see Ukraine thrive. “This is happening at the same time when Putin is telling President Trump that he’s ready to end the war and that he wants to see Ukraine prosperous,” Rudik said. “So it’s obviously a lie.”
Rudik also framed the situation as a test of credibility on the global stage, stating that the international community is watching how Putin communicates with American leadership. She believes a visit by Trump could significantly influence opinions within Ukraine’s Parliament when voting on any proposed peace agreement.
“Unfortunately, we are right now very far from that point because there is no agreed deal as of right now,” Rudik said, underscoring that any resolution must be transparent, credible, and approved through Ukraine’s democratic institutions.
