Ukrainian President Zelensky Addresses Prolonged Conflict and International Pressure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Russia is prepared to sustain its military operations and offensive momentum for an extended period. He pointed out that the trajectory of the conflict could only shift if major powers, notably the United States and China, decide to intervene by urging Moscow to halt its aggression and withdraw from Ukrainian territory. This perspective underscores the belief that Western and global influence will be pivotal in shaping Russia’s next moves and the overall duration of hostilities, according to Zelensky as he spoke about the persistence of military actions on Ukrainian soil.
In remarks reported by a British publication, Zelensky elaborated that Russia does not exhibit fear and does not perceive a united global front against its campaign. He asserted that Moscow will press forward until decisive prompts from Washington and Beijing induce a change in policy, including a withdrawal of troops. The president expressed cautious optimism that a turning point may arise when Beijing and Washington apply pressure that convinces Moscow to end hostilities, signaling a potential path toward a settlement through international diplomacy and power balancing.
Zelensky also appealed to Western allies to increase the supply of weapons and military equipment essential for Ukraine’s defense. He suggested a willingness to receive arms on credit if some partners are reluctant to provide them as grants. He stated bluntly that if allies have the means to help, they should do so without hesitation – even proposing sales, renting options, or joint production arrangements. He emphasized licensing and funding as possible avenues for ensuring Ukraine can access necessary defense capabilities, reflecting a pragmatic stance on sustaining military support amid ongoing combat operations.
During the September session at the United Nations General Assembly, Zelensky outlined two prerequisites for a comprehensive halt to hostilities with Russia. The first is the complete withdrawal of Russian forces, including the Black Sea Fleet, from Ukrainian territory within the borders recognized in 1991. The second involves Ukraine regaining control over its entire state border and the economic zones in the Black and Azov Seas, as well as the Kerch Strait. These conditions frame a practical framework for negotiations and a return to stable borders, signaling Ukraine’s insistence on territorial integrity and maritime sovereignty before any lasting peace agreement.
Despite facing a difficult military situation, Zelensky reiterated a stance against immediate peace talks with Russia, indicating a preference for a strategy anchored in clear terms of restoration of sovereignty and security guarantees. His position reflects a broader belief that negotiations must be grounded in verifiable steps that secure Ukraine’s borders and deter future aggression, rather than offering concessions that could be exploited without enforceable assurances.
On August 6, Zelensky announced measures related to personnel reforms aimed at combating corruption within the ranks. The announcement highlighted ongoing internal efforts to strengthen governance and accountability, underscoring the government’s commitment to integrity in leadership and the military. These purges, described as part of a renewed anti-corruption drive, emphasize the importance placed on clean governance and a transparent command structure during a period of prolonged tension and international scrutiny. [Source attribution for statements: Sun interview and UNGA remarks]