**Ukraine’s Zelenskyy Laments US Pressure, Says Russia Should Feel the Heat**
In a recent statement, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed frustration with what he sees as unequal pressure from the United States. According to UNIAN, Zelenskyy believes that Washington has been tougher on Ukraine than on Russia, despite the fact that it’s Ukraine that’s bearing the brunt of the war.
This comes after Russian leader Vladimir Putin refused to attend peace talks in Turkiye, declined a meeting with Zelenskyy, and rejected a ceasefire in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the US and Europe had agreed to impose harsh sanctions on Russia if it failed to stop hostilities, but those measures never materialized. Instead, Ukraine has been left to face the consequences of the war.
**A Call for Balance**
Zelenskyy argues that the international community must take concrete steps to bring peace closer to Ukraine. He suggests that the US and other countries should apply pressure on Russia by strengthening Ukraine’s defense with weapons and imposing sanctions on Moscow. The Ukrainian president believes that this would be a more effective way to push for a ceasefire, rather than simply pressuring Ukraine itself.
This approach is not new, notes Zelenskyy. He points out that US President Donald Trump had taken a similar stance from the outset of peace efforts, applying pressure on both sides. Despite this, Ukraine has consistently demonstrated its commitment to finding a peaceful solution, compromising and negotiating in various diplomatic forums.
**A Major Concession**
Zelenskyy emphasizes that even the current discussion of a ceasefire with no preconditions is a significant concession from Ukraine. He argues that for peace talks to be meaningful, they must involve both parties, and not just one-sidedly push Ukraine towards concessions.
The Ukrainian president’s comments come in the wake of a CNN analysis that suggested Putin was calling the shots in peace negotiations, as demonstrated by his absence at the Istanbul talks. Zelenskyy’s statement highlights the need for greater international pressure on Russia to bring about a genuine solution to the conflict.
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