As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is pleading with Western leaders to use whatever means necessary to pressure Russia into peace. In a recent speech in Spain, Zelensky expressed the urgent need for “tangible coercion of Russia”, emphasizing that Russia’s ultimate goal is to “destroy Ukraine and move on”.
Zelensky has been steadfast in his refusal to negotiate with Russia until Moscow withdraws all forces from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. However, as Russia makes gains against Ukraine and Kyiv faces a shortage of Western-supplied weapons, the situation becomes more dire.
Zelensky revealed that Russia is dropping around 3,200 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine each month, posing a significant challenge for Ukrainian forces. Despite calls for Russia to participate in a peace summit in Switzerland next month, Zelensky adamantly rejected the idea, citing Russia’s ongoing aggression.
The upcoming summit aims to gather representatives from over 90 countries to chart a path towards a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. Kyiv has set forth 10 demands, including the return of all invaded territory, reparations for war-related damages, and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes – demands that Moscow has vehemently opposed.
While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to talks, it is clear that Russia’s primary objective is to achieve its goals through military means. Zelensky urged Western leaders to lift restrictions on the use of donated weapons against internationally recognized Russian territory, emphasizing the need for support in defending Ukraine.
In order to receive aid from Western allies, Kyiv must outline its vision for ending the conflict. Zelensky’s “10-point peace plan” calls for the complete withdrawal of Russian forces and safeguards against future Russian aggression. The upcoming summit in Switzerland presents a crucial opportunity for Zelensky to rally international support behind his terms and increase pressure on the Kremlin.
As the conflict persists, Zelensky’s diplomatic efforts remain vital in combatting war fatigue and securing essential aid. Recent pledges of support, such as the $1 billion package from Spain, demonstrate that Zelensky’s diplomatic endeavors can yield positive outcomes amidst the ongoing crisis.
President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 has sparked a humanitarian crisis and intensified the need for swift international intervention to bring an end to the conflict. Zelensky’s impassioned plea for Western leaders to intensify pressure on Russia underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency for a resolution to the conflict.