By T. Jayani, JadeTimes News
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western leaders to exert all possible pressure on Russia to achieve peace. Speaking in Spain, Zelensky emphasized the need for "tangible coercion of Russia," which he accused of attempting to "destroy Ukraine and move on”. He reiterated his stance that direct negotiations with Russia would only be possible once Russian forces withdraw from all Ukrainian territories, including Crimea.
Zelensky's appeal comes amid Russian advances and a critical shortage of Western supplied weapons for Ukraine. He highlighted the intense bombardment Ukraine faces, with Russia reportedly deploying around 3,200 guided aerial bombs monthly. In Madrid, during a meeting with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Zelensky questioned how Ukraine could effectively counter such attacks.
Zelensky also dismissed the notion of inviting Russia to a forthcoming peace summit in Switzerland, which is expected to gather representatives from over 90 countries. The summit aims to establish a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, adhering to Kyiv's 10 point plan. This plan demands the return of all invaded territories, reparation payments, and the establishment of a tribunal for prosecuting Russian war crimes conditions Russia has outright rejected.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that President Vladimir Putin is open to talks, but only to further the objectives of Russia's "special military operation”. Zelensky, on the other hand, urged Western leaders to lift restrictions on using donated weapons to target internationally recognized Russian territory. Most Western countries, including the US, have restricted Kyiv to striking Russian forces on Ukrainian soil.
Zelensky's call aligns with the broader condition for receiving extensive Western aid, which requires Kyiv to present its vision for ending the war. His "10 point peace plan" insists on a complete Russian withdrawal and security guarantees against future aggression. With the Swiss summit approaching, Zelensky seeks to rally international support behind these terms, hoping to turn his demands into non-negotiables for his allies and apply greater pressure on the Kremlin. The ongoing Russian offensive in Ukraine's north eastern Kharkiv region underscores the persistent threat, with Russian forces continuing to capture and hold territory. Zelensky argues that any compromise could embolden Moscow, pointing to previous failed ceasefires and the long-term threat of Russian ambitions.
Zelensky's trip to Madrid also reflects his ongoing efforts to combat war fatigue and secure continued support. His diplomacy yielded results, with Spain announcing a $1 billion aid package. Since Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Zelensky has remained steadfast in seeking robust international backing for Ukraine's defense and recovery.