Putin is deliberately escalating to gain leverage before US talks — Zelenskyy
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (photo: Getty Images)
Russian President Vladimir Putin tries to derail peace talks with the United States on ending the war by intensifying terror against Ukraine and provoking it into retaliating, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state said Russia's aggressive behavior in the air indicates that it lacks the strength to make significant gains on the ground.
"The second thing is that, in my view, he (Putin – ed.) is deliberately escalating everything as much as possible so that Ukraine responds, allowing him to continue escalating and keep raising the stakes ahead of any talks with the Americans," Zelenskyy explained.
Amid this, the president warned that Russian forces would continue striking bridges, data centers and essentially everything that is alive.
Ukraine's strategy at this stage remains unchanged: strengthen its defenses as much as possible, try to destroy all enemy targets, and continue pursuing the diplomatic track in parallel.
"As I said, yesterday I spoke with the Americans. The negotiating team and I are in constant contact. Witkoff just messaged me that they very much want to organize meetings as soon as possible. I think we will support organizing the relevant meetings. It is very important that not only Ukraine but also the Russian side support these meetings," Zelenskyy emphasized.
Previously, the president warned that Russia would increase the number of jet-powered drones used in attacks on Ukraine.
