Zelensky Calls on West to Pressure Russia for Peace
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western leaders to exert "tangible coercion" on Russia to secure peace, emphasizing the necessity of using "all means" necessary. Speaking in Spain, Zelensky stressed that Russia's aim is to "destroy Ukraine and move on," and reiterated his long-standing refusal to negotiate directly with Russia until its forces withdraw from all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea.
Zelensky's plea comes amid Russia's advances against Ukraine, exacerbated by a shortage of Western-supplied weapons for Kyiv. A recent Russian strike on a Kharkiv supermarket killed 12 people, highlighting the ongoing violence.
The Ukrainian leader has dismissed the notion of inviting Russia to a planned peace summit in Switzerland next month, which is expected to gather representatives from over 90 countries. The summit aims to outline a path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on 10 demands from Kyiv. These include the return of all invaded territories, reparations for war damages, and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes—demands that Moscow has rejected.
While Russia publicly expresses readiness for peace talks, it insists that any deal must acknowledge its control over the territories it has seized in Ukraine. In Madrid, Zelensky urged Western leaders to allow the use of donated weapons to strike internationally recognized Russian territory, a move that most Western countries, including the US, have been hesitant to support, preferring to limit Ukraine's attacks to Russian-occupied areas within Ukraine.
Zelensky stressed the need for collective pressure on both Russia and Western partners to enable Ukraine to defend itself effectively. Receiving billions in aid from Western allies is contingent on Kyiv outlining its vision for ending the war, adding urgency to the upcoming summit in Switzerland. Zelensky aims to galvanize international support for his terms, making a complete Russian retreat a non-negotiable condition for his allies and avoiding premature negotiations.
Increased participation at the summit could intensify political pressure on the Kremlin. Russian President Vladimir Putin, however, maintains that any peace deal must "reflect the reality on the battlefield," with Russian troops continuing their offensive in Ukraine's northeastern Kharkiv region, capturing and holding new territory. Putin remains uncompromising, while Kyiv warns that any concession or ambiguity benefits Moscow, citing failed ceasefires during Russia's decade-long aggression and the potential for further Russian expansion if global attention wanes.
Despite the challenges, Ukrainian commanders assert control over the situation, and Zelensky's continued international engagements, such as his trip to Madrid, reflect ongoing efforts to combat war fatigue and secure sustained military and humanitarian aid. Spain's announcement of a $1 billion aid package demonstrates the effectiveness of Zelensky's diplomatic efforts. Putin's full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in February 2022.
See also: Post ICJ Ruling: Israel strikes on Gaza
