Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that the Russian army is not indicating any slowdown in the war in Ukraine, but rather projecting actions that indicate preparations for future offensives.
His comments were made ahead of the US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's proposed meeting on August 15 in Alaska.
While offering praise to Trump's determination, Zelensky also called on global leaders to take strong positions to stop Russia from deceiving the world. He reiterated that pressure on Moscow should be sustained until the latter's actions cease in Ukraine.
Trump announced the Alaska summit last Friday, coinciding with the latter's self-imposed deadline for Russia to sign a ceasefire agreement or else be subject to further US sanctions.
Over the past few days, Zelensky has been speaking with some world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and thanked European Union leaders for their continued support of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity. Some other leaders Zelensky spoke with are Lithuania's President Gitanas Nauseda, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev, Kazakhstan's President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev, and Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson.
On Tuesday afternoon (Indian time), Zelensky tweeted on X, "I am thankful to the leaders of Europe for the clear support of our independence, territorial integrity, and just such an active diplomacy that can lead to the end of this war with a noble peace. In fact, we all applaud President Trump's resolve, and together we have to form positions that will not let Russia fool the world again.". We observe that the Russian military is not getting ready to stop the war. Instead, they are taking steps suggesting the preparations for fresh offensive operations. Under such conditions, it is essential that the unity of the world is not put under threat.
He also added, "All of us discuss issues relating to the security of Ukraine and Europe together. Any decision should contribute to our common security potential.". And if Russia does not cease the killings, it must be held to account. Until they end the war and occupation, all of us together must continue our pressure – the pressure of strength, the pressure of sanctions, the pressure of diplomacy. Thank you all who are assisting. Peace through strength.
Zelensky also quoted a statement from the EU leaders who appreciated Trump's initiatives to stop the war and achieve a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine. The EU statement issued by all member countries except Hungary underlined the fact that the Ukrainian people should be free to shape their future.
The EU leaders stated, "A just and lasting peace that brings stability and security must respect international law, including the principles of independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and that international borders must not be changed by force.".
The citizens of Ukraine should have the right to determine their future. The way to peace in Ukraine cannot be determined without Ukraine. Credible negotiations can only be conducted within the framework of a ceasefire or decrease of hostilities."
They also shed light on the wider implications of Russia's war for European and national security. The statement ended on an item that "Hungary does not associate itself with this Statement."
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