Force Russia to make peace, Zelensky urges West

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made a strong appeal to Western leaders, urging them to exert pressure on Russia to seek peace through all possible means. During his visit to Spain, Zelensky emphasized the need for tangible coercion of Russia, which is actively seeking to dismantle Ukraine and advance its own agenda. Zelensky has consistently maintained that direct negotiations with Russia will only be considered once Russian forces completely withdraw from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. However, the recent advancements made by Russia against Ukraine, coupled with a shortage of Western-supplied weapons in Kyiv, have posed significant challenges for Ukraine's defense. Zelensky highlighted that Russia has been conducting extensive aerial bombings in Ukraine, with approximately 3,200 guided bombs being dropped each month, raising concerns about Ukraine's ability to combat such attacks. Furthermore, Zelensky dismissed the idea of inviting Russia to an upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, which aims to address the restoration of peace in Ukraine based on 10 demands outlined by Kyiv. These demands include the return of invaded territory, reparation payments for war-related damages, and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. Despite Kyiv's efforts, Russia has adamantly rejected these demands. Zelensky also called on Western leaders to reconsider their restrictions on donated weapons, advocating for their use against internationally recognized Russian territory. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of international support in enabling Ukraine to defend itself against Russian aggression. Zelensky's diplomatic efforts during his visit to Madrid resulted in securing a substantial $1 billion aid package from Spain, reflecting his ongoing commitment to addressing the humanitarian and military needs of Ukraine.