Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is urging the international community to exert pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin.
This came after an alleged Russian strike on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and transformers in the Zaporizhzhia region.
“Just a few weeks ago, when Putin felt real pressure and the threat of Tomahawks, he immediately showed willingness to return to diplomacy. But as soon as the pressure eased slightly, the Russians began trying to weasel out of diplomacy and delay the dialogue,” the Ukrainian leader stated in a post on X.
He faults the Russian president for using dark tactics to kill civilians and create terror by targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
“Russia’s tactic is killing people and terror through cold. On the eve of winter, the Russians are striking our infrastructure and energy facilities literally every day,” he adds.
“Only pressure on Russia can fix this and stop it. Only sufficient long-range capabilities in our defense bring Putin back to reality. We must end this war, and only pressure will lead to peace.”
Since February 24, 2022, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine has not ended, with reports indicating hundreds of thousands of military casualties and tens of thousands of civilian casualties.
This conflict is thought to be the longest and deadliest war in Europe since World War II.
On Monday, US President Donald J. Trump encouraged both nations to bring the war to an end, suggesting Ukraine should accept Russia's current occupation of Donbas to prevent further bloodshed.
"Let it be cut the way it is. It's cut up right now. I think 78% of the land is already taken by Russia. You leave it the way it is right now," Trump said as quoted by CBS News.
While Russia holds control over Donbas, a region significant for its cultural and economic aspects, Ukraine has shown reluctance to concede any of its disputed territories to Russia.
