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  • Ukraine's president stresses that Russia must be put under maximum pressure to make peace
  • Ukraine's President reiterates the need for greater international involvement
  • Ukraine's diplomatic relations: Moldova, Qatar and Saudi Arabia
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The President of Ukraine talks about more significant support from other countries again. ELTA

Ukraine's president stresses that Russia must be put under maximum pressure to make peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a public address to the Ukrainian people. He reiterated the urgent need to pressure Russia to make peace in his speech.

President Zelensky's speech began with the latest tragedy in Zaporizhzhya, where bombs from the Russian army targeted peaceful people[1].

"Russian bombs hit the city, directly targeting civilians. Unfortunately, 13 people were killed. My condolences to their families and relatives. 32 people were wounded, and all of them received assistance," said Zelensky.

In his speech, the Ukrainian President stressed that this was not an accidental attack but a "completely deliberate act by the Russian army", which proved once again that the Kremlin only wants war and victims.

According to Zelensky, this brutal attack confirms once again that Russia has no desire whatsoever to find a peaceful solution. Its aim is to destroy Ukraine, destabilize the region, and sow chaos among the civilian population. The President of Ukraine stressed:

"That is why we must not waste a single day - we must put pressure on Moscow, we must force Russia to make peace, we must continue to do whatever is necessary to protect lives and stop the deaths."

Ukraine's President reiterates the need for greater international involvement

In the face of constant Russian air strikes, Zelensky stressed that one of Ukraine's top priorities is strengthening its air defense. He said:

"We must allow Ukraine to at least push Russian warplanes away from our cities and borders."

To achieve this, Zelensky said, it is necessary to involve more American and European international partners and implement the already adopted agreements. In his public speech, the Ukrainian President hoped that the Ramstein format would lead to a deal on additional military aid to Ukraine. Rustem Umerov, Minister of Defence of Ukraine, will attend the meeting, who has already started his first meetings with the Allies as he is already visiting Germany.

In his speech, Zelensky said that he was grateful to all those who are helping Ukraine. However, he also renewed the pressure on his partners, stressing that stopping Russia and achieving peace is only realistic if "the partners finally implement the agreements we have been discussing for a long time". On defense coalitions and plans for 2025, Zelensky said:

"Europe has only one choice, and it is a historic one - to become stronger, more independent and more self-reliant."

This means even more investment in defense, closer cooperation between countries, and a clearer strategy for dealing with Russia. Zelensky said that focusing on defense would be the right step for all Europeans.

The Head of State also briefly thanked the Ukrainian military for its precision strikes against Russian military installations and logistics.

V. Zelensky is focused on strengthening connections. ELTA
V. Zelensky is focused on strengthening connections. ELTA

Ukraine's diplomatic relations: Moldova, Qatar and Saudi Arabia

V. Zelensky stressed that diplomatic pressure is also significant for Ukraine in addition to military action. The Ukrainian leader referred to two critical international discussions he had held in recent days, with President Maia Sandu of Moldova and the Emir of Qatar.

Regarding Moldova, the Ukrainian President expressed his clear support for this country, which is also facing energy pressure from Russia. He said:

"The most important thing is to help Moldova through a difficult period of energy challenges and to prevent Moscow from fuelling social tensions. The whole current energy situation in Moldova - including on the left bank of the Dniester River - is an attempt by Russia to manipulate energy resources against the Moldovan authorities."

V. Zelensky assured Ukraine was ready to help its neighbor by providing coal and other necessary resources.

Meanwhile, Zelensky discussed humanitarian issues with the Emir of Qatar, in particular, the exchange of prisoners and the return to Ukraine of Ukrainian children who were taken to Russia.

"We must free all our people", stressed the Ukrainian President.

In addition to these talks, Zelensky also said that he had just spoken with the heir to the Saudi throne and thanked him for his support for Ukraine. Saudi Arabia has been active in international negotiations recently and has supported humanitarian initiatives.

V. Zelensky concluded his speech with a point that has been stressed many times - that Ukraine's struggle is not only Ukraine's business but also the business of the entire free world.

"We are working at all levels to give Ukraine as many opportunities as possible. These opportunities are not only for us, but for all those who value peace and human life," he said.