Main points
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia is not going to stop and continues military actions, so Ukraine should strengthen its defense.
- The President emphasized the need for tough sanctions against Russia and security guarantees for Ukraine to ensure peace.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia is not going to end the war / Photo Getty Images
The Head of State noted that Russia is not going to stop there and always strives for more. Therefore, Ukraine should continue to strengthen its army and defense.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a statement on his Telegram channel after another Russian strike on Kharkiv, where a person died.
What does Ukraine need to do to survive?
The President stressed that each such blow undermines trust in all of Russia's negotiations and promises. He noted that the pressure on the enemy is insufficient. And only tough sanctions for the enemy and security guarantees for Ukraine can guarantee peace.
The Russian army is not preparing to stop – they are preparing to continue fighting. And in reality, only our strength works to protect life, which means that we need to continue to support and strengthen Ukraine,
– Zelenskyy said.
He noted that we need to strengthen air defense systems. Only packages to support Ukraine's resilience and Russia's responsibility for the crimes committed can become prerequisites for protecting the lives of the country and its citizens.
How does Trump plan to pressure Ukraine and Russia to sign a peace deal?
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The US can put pressure on Ukraine through military aid. Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that there will be no more free weapons, as under Biden. That is, Kyiv can be forced to negotiate by limiting the supply of weapons or changing its conditions – for example, demanding that European allies pay for American weapons.
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Pressure on Russia will likely come through economics and sanctions. The United States could tighten financial restrictions, make it harder to sell Russian oil, block access to technology, and pressure countries that help Moscow circumvent sanctions. Washington could also use diplomatic isolation to force the Kremlin to the negotiating table.
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Another lever is the negotiation process and allies. The US can simultaneously pressure both sides, offering its terms for peace, and also force Europe to take a clearer position: either increase support for Ukraine or more actively influence Russia. The idea is to create a situation where it will be more difficult for both Kiev and Moscow to continue the war than to agree to an agreement.