Madrid, Spain – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western leaders to intensify pressure on Russia to achieve peace, stating that “tangible coercion” is necessary to counter Moscow’s ongoing aggression. Speaking in Madrid alongside Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelensky emphasized the need for decisive action as Russia continues its military operations against Ukraine.
Zelensky has consistently refused to engage in direct negotiations with Russia until Russian forces withdraw from all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea. His latest appeal comes at a critical time, with Kyiv experiencing shortages of Western-supplied weapons and Russia making gains on the battlefield.
In a stark illustration of the ongoing violence, a recent Russian strike on a supermarket in Kharkiv killed 12 people. Despite these challenges, Ukraine is making strides in its internal fight against corruption and bolstering its defenses with innovative tactics, such as the “Peaky Blinders” drone squad in Kharkiv.
During his Madrid visit, Zelensky highlighted the severe impact of Russian aerial bombardments, stating that Russia drops approximately 3,200 guided bombs on Ukraine each month. “How do you fight that?” he asked, underscoring the dire need for increased Western support.
Zelensky also dismissed the notion of inviting Russia to a planned peace summit in Switzerland next month, which will gather representatives from over 90 countries. The summit aims to forge a path to a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, adhering to Kyiv’s ten demands. These demands include the return of all occupied territories, reparations for war damages, and the establishment of a tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. Moscow has unequivocally rejected this plan.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov reiterated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to talks but only to further the objectives of Russia’s “special military operation,” the Kremlin’s term for the conflict.
Zelensky urged Western nations to lift restrictions on the use of donated weapons, allowing Ukrainian forces to strike recognized Russian territory. Currently, most Western countries, including the United States, mandate that Ukrainian attacks focus solely on Russian forces within occupied Ukrainian regions.
“We need to work together and put pressure not only on Russia but also on our partners to give us the opportunity to defend ourselves against Russia,” Zelensky asserted.
Western aid to Ukraine, amounting to billions of pounds, is contingent upon Kyiv presenting a clear vision for ending the war. Zelensky’s previously published “10-point peace plan” calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian troops and guarantees against future aggression.
The upcoming summit in Switzerland is a crucial opportunity for Zelensky to solidify international support for his peace terms and maintain pressure on Russia. The greater the international participation, the more political pressure will mount on the Kremlin, Zelensky hopes.
Meanwhile, Putin has insisted that any peace deal must reflect “the reality on the battlefield,” as Russian forces continue their offensive in Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region. Despite capturing more territory, Russian troops have maintained their hold, showing no signs of compromise.
Kyiv argues that any compromise would benefit Moscow, pointing to previous failed ceasefires and asserting that Putin’s ultimate aim is to control all of Ukraine. Zelensky’s renewed international engagements, including his trip to Madrid, reflect his efforts to combat war fatigue and secure ongoing military and humanitarian aid.
Spain recently announced a $1 billion (£783 million) aid package for Ukraine, demonstrating the effectiveness of Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts. This support is vital as Ukraine continues to resist the full-scale invasion launched by Russia in February 2022.