Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, has denounced Russia’s recent attacks on his country, describing them as a “mockery of diplomatic efforts” and cautioning that Moscow should not be rewarded for its aggressiveness.
Zelensky told reporters in Washington that Russia attacked Ukraine on purpose before important negotiations in the U.S. capital. “Diplomacy is being directly insulted by these Russian attacks. War should not be rewarded to Moscow,” he said.
The Ukrainian leader also called it another irresponsible escalation and accused Russia of deliberately targeting an oil field in Ukraine that belongs to Azerbaijan.
Zelensky emphasised the death toll, confirming that seven persons, including one child, were killed Monday in a Russian ballistic missile strike on Kharkiv.
Zelensky also underlined that he would be in Washington later today for high-level talks with U.S. President Donald Trump. In order to highlight the widespread alarm over Russia’s ongoing aggressiveness, leaders from the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO are also anticipated to attend the discussions.
“Honourable peace and real security are what everyone wants,” Zelensky emphasised. “The word must be sent to Moscow that the war must end.”
Zelensky and Trump’s discussion is anticipated to centre on bolstering military assistance, enforcing sanctions against Russia, and coordinating diplomatic efforts to thwart Moscow’s incursion.
