Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he sees no evidence that Vladimir Putin intends to end the war soon, accusing the Russian leadership of consistently finding pretexts to avoid talks. Zelensky argued that Moscow has not shifted its priorities and called for money to be spent on civilian needs rather than on war. He said Kyiv is working with international partners to increase pressure and create incentives for Russia to change course.
Zelensky: Putin Seeks Pretexts to Continue the War — Kyiv Calls for Global Pressure
FILE PHOTO - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks on the second day of the General Debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. (is associated with: «Zelensky accuses Putin of hunting for pretexts to keep killing») Michael Kappeler/dpa
In his nightly video address on Saturday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that he sees no sign Russian President Vladimir Putin is prepared to end the war anytime soon. Zelensky said Moscow appears focused on finding reasons to avoid talks and prolong the conflict.
'The Russians are not preparing to end the war — at least not at this point,' Zelensky said. 'Putin always has some pretext ready — not to meet, not to hold a three-way meeting, not to talk, not to end these killings and not to stop them.'
Zelensky stressed that this approach has been consistent for years. He pointed to recent diplomatic exchanges, including discussions with the President of the United States, as evidence that Moscow continues to look for justifications to sustain military action rather than seek a settlement.
What Kyiv Wants
According to Zelensky, ending the fighting requires a change in priorities inside Russia: 'The will must arise there to spend money not on death but on something else, so that the desire to end this war emerges.' He said Ukraine is working with international partners to increase diplomatic, economic and political pressure that could encourage such a shift.
A Push for International Cooperation
Zelensky framed Kyiv's strategy as a global effort to redirect resources and incentives away from war. He called on partners to continue coordinated measures that would make it harder for Moscow to justify continued military expenditure and easier for Russian society and leadership to consider alternatives to conflict.
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