Putin wanted Ukraine's Kharkiv, but failed: Zelenskyy points to symbolic defeat

Ukraine's Kharkiv proved stronger than Russia

The head of state said Russian forces repeatedly tried to sow chaos in various regions of Ukraine.

He recalled that Kharkiv had always been one of the Kremlin's main targets. However, Putin made a serious mistake because he failed to realize that "very strong people" lived in the city.

"Once again, I am very grateful to the people of Kharkiv. He (Putin – ed.) could not break them, even when the enemy was very close. He simply could not. Honestly, Kharkiv defeated Putin. Well, I am sure of that. For him, it is the symbolic 'first capital of Ukraine.' The people of Kharkiv are simply amazing. All our people are amazing," the president emphasized.

Zelenskyy vows retaliation against Russia over new escalation

The Ukrainian leader said he is puzzled by Putin's logic in the war against Ukraine. In particular, the president does not understand why Russia strikes data centers and mobile communications while knowing that Ukraine is capable of carrying out mirror attacks.

"How does Putin do this? How does he not think that mobile communications are used not only in Kyiv and Ukraine, but also in Moscow? No, honestly, I am simply surprised by this beastly desire to escalate every day. In other words, he is counting on constant escalation. He really wants this," Zelenskyy said.

According to him, Putin's actions once again show that it is impossible to negotiate an end to the war with him.

"This is an answer to everyone who believes that we need to ask Putin, and he will definitely end the war. It just won't work," the president concluded.

As previously reported, Zelenskyy publicly threatened Putin with retaliation over Russia's new "military doctrine."

The media also reported how the Kremlin responded to the Ukrainian president's warning.