Zelenskyy urges allies to put ‘new pressure’ on Russia to bring an end to ‘daily reality’ of attacks
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said Russian attacks across his country continue to be a “daily reality” despite the partial ceasefire agreed to last week. He referenced the overnight drone attack on Kyiv, in which at least 3 people were killed, and a Russian attack on the southern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia which reportedly killed a family of three late on Friday evening.
Zelenskyy, paying his condolences to the victims of the attacks ahead of the ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia, wrote in a post on X:
These attacks are a daily reality. This week alone, over 1,580 guided aerial bombs, nearly 1,100 strike drones, and 15 missiles of various types were used against our people.
All of this weaponry contains at least 102,000 foreign components. That’s why sanctions against Russian terrorists must be more effective. Every loophole that allows them to bypass the sanctions regime must be eliminated.
New decisions and new pressure on Moscow are needed to bring an end to these strikes and this war. We must strengthen Ukraine and our army – with more air defense systems and real support. I thank all partners who understand this and continue to support Ukraine.
Key events
Kremlin says ‘difficult negotiations’ lay ahead in Ukraine-Russia ceasefire talks
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has been speaking to Russian state TV ahead of the US’s separate ceasefire talks in Saudi Arabia with Ukraine and Russia at meetings over Sunday and Monday.
He was quoted as saying “we are only at the beginning of this path”, adding that negotiations with Washington tomorrow would be “difficult” and that Moscow’s “main” focus would be on a possible resumption of a deal to ensure safe navigation for commercial vessels in the Black Sea.
Following the Trump-Putin call last week, the White House said the two leaders agreed that “the movement to peace will begin with an energy and infrastructure ceasefire”, followed by negotiations over a “maritime ceasefire in the Black Sea, full ceasefire and permanent peace”.
A fast US brokered ceasefire in Ukraine is unlikely for many reasons. Putin has said any talks must address what he frames as “the root causes” of Moscow’s full-scale invasion in 2022, primarily his concerns around an expanding Nato alliance. Ukraine has made membership of the alliance a key strategic aim that it says would help protect the country in the event of future Russian aggression.
Putin also said during his call with Trump that any long-term deal would require an ending of intelligence sharing and military aid to Kyiv from its allies. Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after the call that Ukraine’s allies would never agree to such a move, adding that he hopes supplies will continue.