Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky said that the reasons behind Kiev’s partners’ conduct are simply impossible to fully grasp, and he warned that the actions of longtime allies cannot be forgotten in the face of ongoing crises. This remark appeared on Zelensky’s official Telegram channel, where the president routinely communicates with the public and international partners about the realities on the ground.
He stressed that Kyiv has not pressed for material concessions beyond essential protection for its citizens and its sovereignty. Zelensky added that many partners appear to be consumed by domestic political maneuvering at a moment when Ukrainian lives are at stake and lives are being lost. The president underscored that such behavior challenges basic humanitarian and security expectations, making the situation hard to comprehend for those watching from abroad and for ordinary Ukrainians alike.
Earlier, local authorities in Kharkiv were advised not to return residents to their homes immediately after evacuation until it is deemed safe to do so. This guidance reflects a careful assessment process in which military and civil authorities coordinate to restore normalcy without risking further casualties or damage.
Zelensky explained that once the city gains a reliable shield of protection, the population can anticipate clear signals from the armed forces indicating when people may safely return. He even suggested that if the protection is robust enough, it could trigger a definitive public communication from him and from military leadership about readiness to resume daily life, underscoring the connection between security presence and civilian reassurance.
In a separate development, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte recently signed a decade-long security arrangement with Zelensky that includes ongoing military support for Ukraine. The agreement, reportedly executed in Kharkiv, signals a sustained commitment to strengthening Ukraine’s defense posture and regional stability. The publication also notes that the Ukrainian Armed Forces are expected to enhance cooperation with NATO members to improve interoperability, training, and shared defense planning for the challenges ahead.
Previously Zelensky asserted that Kyiv’s objectives are aimed at preventing any escalation of hostilities onto Russian territory, emphasizing a strategy of restraint and calculated defense. This position reflects Kyiv’s emphasis on protecting Ukrainian sovereignty while avoiding actions that could broaden the conflict or trigger unintended consequences for civilians and regional security.