Zelenskyy calls for 'harsh steps' to break Russia's ability to sustain war
Photo: President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine hopes that the US and all its partners will apply the harshest measures to force Russian President Vladimir Putin to peace. So far, the pressure has not been enough, informs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
"We have had the American proposal for an unconditional ceasefire for several weeks. And in response to this proposal, every day we face Russian drones, Russian bombs, artillery shelling, and ballistic missiles," Zelenskyy said.
In the president's opinion, harsh sanctions against Russia are necessary, as well as more air defense systems for Ukraine to protect itself from hostile attacks.
"Russia deserves increased pressure. All the harsh steps that can break its capacity to wage war and sustain the system that wants nothing but war," the President added.
Zelenskyy also believes that there needs to be more interaction and unity among all of Ukraine's Western partners.
"We are ready to move forward together, to move forward with America as quickly as possible in diplomacy and our cooperation. We rely on the United States, Europe, and all our other partners who truly want peace and guaranteed security to deploy all necessary tools. Success in diplomacy is needed by everyone, except for Putin," the President emphasized.
Zelenskyy stressed that pressure on Putin is needed for the success of diplomacy and the preservation of human life. Ukraine continues communication with the US on how to act together to end this war.
"The world knows that only Russia is the cause – the reason why the war has lasted for so many years. Russia must be pressured. And security must be guaranteed to those Russia has attacked – to Ukrainians and all Europeans. And this will happen," the President concluded.
Trump’s threats
Zelenskyy's words came against the backdrop of recent statements from US President Donald Trump, who is extremely dissatisfied with Putin. Today, it became known that Trump is "angry" and "pissed off" at Putin over claims about Zelenskyy's alleged illegitimacy, as well as the issue of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Trump became enraged after Putin repeated his slogan that Zelenskyy is supposedly illegitimate. On Friday, the Russian president called for the creation of a transitional government— a temporary administration under UN auspices — that could effectively remove Zelenskyy.
Trump's anger is also tied to the ongoing war. As a result, he threatened to impose tariffs on Russian oil, ranging from 25% to 50%. Trump noted that the tariffs against Russia would take effect within a month unless a ceasefire agreement is reached.
