Zelensky: Russia rejects ceasefire to maintain ability to launch strikes from sea

The head of state announced this in his evening address to the people, as reported by Ukrinform.

He recalled that today's Russian attack included the launch of missiles from the Black Sea. According to him, Ukraine's partners know exactly which ships were involved and from which part of the sea the launch was carried out.

“This is one of the reasons why Russia distorts diplomacy and why it refuses to agree to an unconditional ceasefire – they seek to maintain the ability to attack our cities and ports from the sea,” Zelensky said.

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He noted that a ceasefire at sea affects not only free navigation and food exports, but also overall security and progress towards peace.

Zelensky stressed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not want the war to end, as he wants to preserve resources for its possible escalation at any moment with even greater force.

“That’s why all forms of pressure on Russia must continue: we must strengthen our ability to defend ourselves, maintain sanctions, and ensure that diplomacy — any negotiations with Moscow — does not leave them any opportunity to kill,” Zelensky said.

He added: “If there is a ceasefire, it must be unconditional – one that does not allow lives to be destroyed. Ukraine has agreed to the US proposal for a complete, unconditional ceasefire. Putin is rejecting it. We are waiting for a response from the United States – so far there has been none – and we are also waiting for a reaction from all those who truly want peace, both in Europe and around the world.”

Zelensky emphasized that Russian ballistic missile strikes occur daily, taking the lives of civilians and targeting regions such as Sumy, Kharkov, Dnepropetrovsk, Kherson, Zaporizhia, Donetsk and others. Today, Kyiv was also hit by ballistic missile strikes.

“Every day brings losses. Every day we lose opportunities for diplomacy. We cannot remain silent about all this,” he said.

Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Ukraine’s partners for their recent decisions in support of the country. He thanked the Netherlands for providing €500 million for the production of drones in Ukraine and another €2 billion to support broader resilience efforts in 2025. Zelensky thanked Sweden for a $1.6 billion military aid package that includes air defense systems, artillery, communications equipment, and other critical supplies.

He also thanked Latvia for supplying drones to the Ukrainian military. Germany was thanked for its significant decision to increase its support this year to €7 billion. He also thanked Denmark for almost €1 billion in new aid, including direct contributions to Ukrainian arms production.

“Everyone who is now supporting Ukraine is protecting lives. Thank you for your help! I thank our soldiers, all Ukrainians who care about our state and our country!” Zelensky concluded.