Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia on Tuesday of intentionally dragging out the conflict to solidify its hold on occupied territories and prolong the war.
Zelenskyy made these remarks a day after President Donald Trump held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin about the ongoing hostilities. While emphasizing that a resolution must come through diplomatic means, Zelenskyy insisted that such discussions must involve genuine and actionable terms.
He also noted that he had spoken with Finnish President Alexander Stubb regarding efforts to achieve peace, adding that the international community should strengthen its sanctions campaign to increase the cost of Russia’s aggression.
“It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue the war and occupation,” Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram messaging app.
“We are working with partners to put pressure on the Russians to behave differently. Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war.”
President Trump announced that both Russia and Ukraine had agreed to launch talks aimed at securing a ceasefire. However, the Kremlin maintained that negotiations would require patience, and Trump made clear he was not prepared to align with Europe on imposing further economic penalties against Moscow.
Trump also shared that he had informed Zelenskyy and several European leaders — including those from the EU, France, Italy, Germany, and Finland — about his proposal during a group conversation.
“We have no doubt that the war must end at the negotiating table,” Zelenskyy said on Telegram.
“There must be clear and realistic proposals on the table. Ukraine is ready for any effective negotiation formats. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine possible results, there must be tough consequences.”
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who currently commands troops occupying about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw from four specific regions that Russia claims as a prerequisite to ending the conflict.
{Matzav.com}