President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia’s latest large-scale attack on Ukraine demonstrates once again that Moscow has no intention of ending the war, even as international discussions on peace efforts continue.
According to the president, the United States, Europe and other partners remain deeply engaged in diplomatic efforts.
“Everyone shares the same agenda—yet only Moscow invariably keeps the war against Ukraine as their top priority,” Zelensky said. “Strikes like the one today confirm this.”
He stressed that Ukraine must not lose sight of the situation on the ground and must counter Russian attacks “24/7.” Ukrainian officials, he added, are working around the clock with the United States and other partners to secure meaningful steps toward ending the war, while ensuring the Ukrainian military has the resources to defend the country.
Zelensky also highlighted a meeting of the so-called Coalition of the Willing, co-organized by French President Emmanuel Macron, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and German opposition leader Friedrich Merz, with U.S. Senator Marco Rubio representing Washington. Nearly 40 participants from Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region joined the discussions.
He said the group had sent “an extremely important message” about the need for closely coordinated diplomacy.
“Now is not the time to relax or lose our unity. We must defend against Russian strikes and ensure Ukraine’s resilience,” Zelensky emphasized.
The president thanked partners supporting the PURL initiative, which enables Ukraine to procure U.S. weapons, including Patriot missiles. He said Ukrainian air defenses performed well overnight, intercepting cruise and ballistic missiles and shooting down more than 400 attack drones.
“To be capable of doing this, we need the appropriate resources,” he said, noting that Kyiv and its partners are working to maintain those capabilities.
Zelensky announced that Ukraine had adopted new sanctions targeting 56 vessels involved in transporting Ukrainian grain from occupied territories. He called it “an important decision” and said Kyiv would continue to expand pressure on those facilitating Russia’s actions.
“Every Russian crime must receive an appropriate response,” he said.
He also held separate conversations during the day with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, and Finnish President Alexander Stubb.
Zelensky said Ukrainian officials continued work in Geneva on a joint security document with the United States. He noted that the framework “can be developed into deeper agreements” and stressed that ensuring real security remains a shared goal.
“Much depends on the United States,” Zelensky said, adding that “it’s America’s strength that Russia takes most seriously.
