Zelenskyy cites signs of shifting attitudes in Russia over war
Photo: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (Getty Images)
Ukraine's long-range sanctions campaign and the resulting deterioration of Russia's economic situation are having a tangible impact on Moscow's willingness to continue the war, according to a statement by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a joint press conference with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Kyiv.
Is Russia ready to end the war against Ukraine?
Zelenskyy was asked whether Russia had sent any signals in response to Ukraine's intensified long-range strikes.
"Russia's response is something we all feel equally. Whether you're on Bankova Street (a historic street in the center of Kyiv, known as the location of the Office of the President of Ukraine - ed.), in Troieshchyna (one of Kyiv's districts - ed.), in Odesa, or in our Kharkiv — anywhere. That response consists of drone and missile attacks. It seems to me that this is their constant response, and it does not change," the president said.
Zelenskyy noted that Russia either escalates its attacks on Ukraine or takes short tactical pauses.
"Not because they have come to understand that they need to change course and move toward peace. No, they are simply preparing," he stressed.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukrainians have grown accustomed to this pattern. However, Russian forces are receiving what he described as a fair response to missile and drone attacks against Ukrainian civilians.
"We are increasing our response, and they are increasing their aggressive strikes. These are predictable developments," the president said.
Indicators of change inside Russia
At the same time, Zelenskyy said there are indicators suggesting changes are taking place within Russia.
"It is Russian society, which is feeling shortages of energy resources after persistent Ukrainian strikes deep behind enemy lines. Russia itself now has to import certain things," the head of state said.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence that Ukrainian strikes are reducing the amount of money Russia can devote to defense spending and the war effort.
"Due to Ukraine's disruption of logistics, diesel fuel and gasoline have become indicators that are increasingly working in our favor. Why? Because the number of people in Russia who want this war to end has started to grow. We have no illusions," the president said.
Dangerous phase of the war
According to the Ukrainian president, the period after Russia's elections will be particularly important.
"But after the elections, in September, I can't tell you for sure — they may escalate further. One possibility is a larger mobilization campaign. That could happen. Or they could be ready for dialogue. Could that happen? I'm convinced it could. The Americans want it. Europe very much wants it as well," he said.
The president outlined Ukraine's priorities:
- Ending the war,
- Achieving a ceasefire,
- Discussing all conditions.
"But the ceasefire should not come after conditions are agreed upon — there should be a ceasefire first. Then the conditions need to be discussed. These are all absolutely clear things, given where we are today. We need to strengthen ourselves," he concluded.
Earlier, it was reported that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attack other countries. According to Zelenskyy, if Moscow fails to achieve victory in Ukraine, Putin "will become very dangerous, and not only for us."
The Ukrainian president also warned that Russia could eventually acquire the capability to strike targets up to 5,000 kilometers away with ballistic missiles, putting any city in Europe within range.
