Zelenskyy awaits serious US response to Russia’s massive drone strikes

“It is impossible to ignore the hundreds of Shaheds every night. We expect a response, a serious response. We are working on this response. A strong response is urgently needed — first and foremost from America, Europe, and from all those around the world who have placed their bets on diplomacy. Russia must be forced into peace. Only pressure will work,” the president said.

Zelenskyy noted that the US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table for too long without an adequate response from Russia. The president believes a ceasefire could have already been reached if there had been pressure on Russia. He specifically called for sanctions against Russia.

“This says a lot. A ceasefire could have already been achieved if there had been real pressure on Russia. I want to thank those partners who understand this and are advancing the necessary decisions. This includes new sanctions decisions,” the president concluded.

After talks in Riyadh between the US and Ukraine, as well as Washington and Moscow, a partial 30-day ceasefire was agreed upon, at least in terms of energy. This means a suspension of strikes.

The Russian side stated that the ceasefire began on March 18. However, in practice, it does not appear to be effective.

According to Ukraine’s Presidential Communications Advisor, Dmytro Lytvyn, on March 27, at least two strikes were recorded that damaged energy infrastructure. Additionally, on March 28, it was reported that Russia attacked Naftogaz (the largest national oil and gas company of Ukraine), damaging gas extraction facilities.

For more details on whether the energy truce between Ukraine and Russia is really holding, read RBC-Ukraine's report.