Zelenskyy Addresses Western Pressure on Russia

(MENAFN) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s ability to continue its invasion of Ukraine will not be determined by President Vladimir Putin’s statements, but rather by the intensity of pressure applied by Western nations. He emphasized that strong and well-enforced sanctions could significantly restrict Moscow’s capability to keep prosecuting the war.

Addressing reporters before departing for Brussels, Zelenskyy brushed aside Putin’s recent remarks about retaining authority over Russian-occupied Ukrainian regions, describing them as routine narratives instead of evidence of real power or confidence.

“The signals that Putin is giving are absolutely nothing new to us. I have always said that he does not want to end the war. The question is, can he continue it? This question already depends on our partners, on their pressure – sanctions first of all, and diplomatic pressure,” he said.

Zelenskyy further remarked that he is unconvinced the Russian economy can continue financing the conflict at its previous intensity if sanctions are properly and consistently applied.

He also confirmed that the United States is communicating its willingness to bring the war to an end to Moscow through both open and behind-the-scenes channels, adding that Ukraine backs this diplomatic push despite facing substantial obstacles.

“We do not agree with all the features of certain future agreements. You know about this. We have questions; there are some disagreements regarding the territorial issue, financing, frozen assets, and some other issues that are not agreed upon,” he said.

The Ukrainian president concluded by warning that if Putin were to slow what he described as the most active phase of diplomacy seen in a long time, Washington would be compelled to intensify its pressure on Russia.

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