Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Western allies to increase pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. This appeal comes after one of the deadliest Russian attacks on Kyiv, which resulted in the deaths of 23 people, including children. The attack, which involved over 600 drones and missiles, was one of the largest aerial strikes of the war, causing widespread destruction and damage to civilian areas, including residential buildings, the European Union mission, and the British Council.
In a virtual meeting with European leaders, Zelensky emphasized the need for a strong joint signal to Putin, stating that “Putin has not done what he said. It’s time to move. We need a strong joint signal.” He also stressed that only at the level of leaders can the war truly be ended. Zelensky’s plea for increased pressure is driven by Russia’s refusal to engage in meaningful peace negotiations, with Moscow demanding Kyiv cede territory and renounce Western military support – conditions Ukraine has ruled out.
European leaders, including EU chief Ursula von der Leyen, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, have condemned Russia’s actions and called for Putin to come to the negotiating table. The international community’s the response to the attack, with many summoning Russia’s ambassadors to express their outrage. The US, while pushing for a ceasefire, has also faced criticism for its perceived silence on the matter, with Zelensky suggesting that this silence only emboldens Putin.
