Zelenskyy urges world leaders to push Putin for ceasefire at China summit

According to Zelenskyy, Russia's strike on the night of August 30 was a brazen move that demonstrates the war will not end without pressure from the international community.

"There were two large-scale attacks by Russia this week — absolutely brazen actions, through which Russia is demonstrating that without pressure from the world, there will be no end to the war. And these are all clear signals to the United States, to Europe, and to the leaders who these days are in China and will be meeting with Putin," Zelenskyy said.

The President also noted that he spoke today with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and they discussed the current situation in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy emphasized that Modi supports the idea of a ceasefire, noting that such a step would send a clear signal that Russia is ready for diplomacy. He also shared Ukraine's expectations.

"We expect the need for a ceasefire — to signal Russia's readiness for diplomacy — will be raised at these meetings. Putin is only duping leaders and drawing them into his camp. And he is staving off the threat of sanctions. Nothing else interests him. It is important that together we press Russia into ending this war," the President said.

SCO summit and Russian attacks on Ukraine

The SCO summit is scheduled to take place from August 31 to September 1 in Tianjin, China. Putin is expected to attend. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said the meeting aims to demonstrate the unity of the Global South.

This week, Russian forces carried out two combined attacks on Ukraine. On the night of August 28, Kyiv was the main target. Fires broke out, infrastructure was damaged, and many people were killed or injured.

Following the attack, Ukraine's Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally called on SCO participants to respond.

"We also call on the participants of the 25th Meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization on 31 August – 1 September to express their clear position on this attack and to show that they respect the principles of international law, do not tolerate Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, and the killing of Ukrainian children," the MFA emphasized.

On the night of August 30, Russia carried out another combined attack. Explosions were reported in Kyiv, Lutsk, Dnipro, and other Ukrainian cities. Zaporizhzhia suffered the most. Fires broke out, buildings were destroyed, and many people were injured.

For more details on the consequences of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, read RBC-Ukraine's reports.