Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his evening address, reported on the continuous attacks by Russian troops on Ukrainian territory, which occur almost daily. In particular, he pointed out the nighttime shelling, during which Russia used 172 strike drones.
This is reported by Kyiv24
Diplomatic Pressure on Russia
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine’s partners must understand that Russian attacks harm not only Ukrainians but also all international efforts aimed at ending the war. «Russia is striking at the positions of all who want an end to the war. It is impossible to ignore hundreds of «Shaheds» every night. We expect a response, a serious response. A strong reaction is very much needed – primarily from America, Europe, and everyone in the world who has bet on diplomacy. Russia must be forced to make peace. And only pressure will work,» he noted.
The Situation on the Front and the Possibility of a Ceasefire
The President also mentioned the United States’ proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, to which Russia did not provide an «adequate response». «This says a lot. There could already have been a ceasefire if there had been real pressure on Russia. I want to thank those partners who understand this and who are promoting the necessary solutions,» Zelensky added.
Zelensky also reported on a meeting with the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Oleksandr Syrskyi, discussing the situation on the front and in areas where Ukrainian forces operate on Russian territory. «We maintain an activity that prevents the occupier from entering the territory of Sumy region, as well as our Kharkiv region,» he emphasized.
U.S. Vice President Jay D. Vance confirmed that Ukraine and Russia managed to achieve a cessation of strikes on energy infrastructure, despite the continuation of attacks on Ukrainian facilities. The last few weeks have been marked by active negotiations regarding a possible ceasefire, particularly in Riyadh, where rounds of talks took place between representatives of the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia.
In this context, the Ukrainian side agreed to a 30-day truce, while Russia put forward its conditions. The Kremlin claims that the agreement to ensure the safety of shipping in the Black Sea will only take effect after certain sanctions on Russia are lifted, which Washington does not confirm.
The Russian Ministry of Defense recently claimed that Ukraine had allegedly struck its energy infrastructure, but the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine denies these reports.