Zelenskyy urges Russians to pressure Putin after Moscow oil refinery strike
Photo: Attack on an oil refinery in Moscow on June 18 (Getty Images)
Russians should exert influence on Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin if they do not want the war to have further consequences, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells reporters.
What Zelenskyy says
The President emphasizes that Ukraine continues to respond to Russian attacks and has no intention of tolerating strikes on its territory.
According to Zelenskyy, despite the reinforced air defense system around the Russian capital, Ukraine is capable of responding to Russia's actions.
"We’ve said that we would hit them back. If Putin doesn’t want to end this war and wants to continue it, we won’t just sit quietly—we’ll respond," the President says.
He also recalls the Russian strike on the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra and states that Ukraine is preparing a response.
Moscow will feel war consequences war
The President emphasizes that Ukraine did not seek war and does not want it to continue. At the same time, he stresses that Russia will also bear the consequences of its own aggression.
"But if Ukraine burns, your Moscow will burn too," Zelenskyy declares.
He adds that now is the time to end the war and stop Russian aggression.
Zelenskyy also addresses the Russian citizens. In his view, Russians must also exert pressure on their own leadership.
"Therefore, in my opinion, everyone must put pressure on Putin. Ukrainians must put pressure on him, as must absolutely all Europeans and Americans, and it’s high time for Russians to come to their senses and put pressure on their leader," he says.
Moscow came under drone attack. Explosions and fires were reported in several districts of the Russian capital.
Due to the drone attack, temporary restrictions were imposed on airport operations in Moscow. Russian authorities reported that air defense forces were engaged. The entire Russian capital is shrouded in smoke.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the need to end the war. The President stated that Ukraine was ready for peace and a ceasefire.
