Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not backing down in his fight against Russian aggression, urging Western leaders to use “all means” necessary to pressure Russia into peace. Speaking in Spain, Zelensky emphasized the need for “tangible coercion of Russia” as Moscow continues its efforts to “destroy Ukraine and move on.”
Zelensky’s strong stance comes as Russia makes gains against Ukraine, with Kyiv facing a shortage of Western-supplied weapons. The Ukrainian president highlighted the devastating impact of Russia’s actions, noting that the country is dropping thousands of guided aerial bombs on Ukraine each month.
Despite the ongoing conflict, Zelensky remains steadfast in his refusal to negotiate with Russia until Moscow’s forces leave all Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. He also rejected the idea of inviting Russia to a planned peace summit in Switzerland next month, which is expected to include representatives from over 90 countries.
The summit aims to chart a course for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine based on Kyiv’s demands, including the return of invaded territory, reparation payments for war-related damages, and the prosecution of Russian war crimes. However, Russia has flatly rejected these demands, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russian President Vladimir Putin is only willing to engage in talks to achieve the objectives of the ongoing military operation in Ukraine.
Zelensky urged Western leaders to lift bans on donated weapons being used to strike internationally recognized Russian territory, emphasizing the need for support in defending Ukraine against Russian aggression. The Ukrainian leader’s efforts to secure aid and diplomatic support have been successful, with Spain announcing a $1 billion package to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russian forces.
As the conflict continues to escalate, Zelensky’s call for international pressure on Russia underscores the urgency of the situation. The upcoming peace summit in Switzerland represents a crucial opportunity for Zelensky to rally support for his terms and push for a resolution to the conflict that ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
