Ukraine’s president has warned that Russia continues to pursue the goal of taking over the whole of Ukraine. Despite efforts by the United States to negotiate, Kyiv says these talks have done nothing to make Moscow drop its ambition.
The president argued that Russian forces are too far committed – militarily and politically – to pull back voluntarily.
He says Putin has made plans so deeply that the only way to stop the aggression is if his aims are changed in a fundamental way.
Zelenskyy also urged the international community to press China to use its influence over Russia. According to Ukraine’s leader, China has the capacity to help contain or reduce Russian military attacks, but so far has not done enough in that regard.
In his view, allowing Russia’s war machine to keep advancing unchecked risks even greater destruction.
He called on allies to strengthen pressure on Moscow – through diplomacy, sanctions, or other means – so that Putin cannot keep the offensive going.
Ukraine maintains that any lasting peace must include the full withdrawal of Russian forces, recognition of Ukraine’s sovereign borders, and guarantees that its security will not again be threatened.