Kyyiv: Following the latest Russian airstrikes on Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky has urged Russian officials to stop ballistic missile attacks if they truly seek negotiations.
Zelensky stated that over the past week, Russian forces had launched more than 1,050 drones, nearly 1,300 bombs, and over 20 missile strikes on Ukraine, including a recent attack on the northeastern city of Kharkiv.
His remarks come after a series of crucial meetings and diplomatic visits to the U.S. and Europe, where tensions flared during a heated exchange with U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance at the White House. At the end of his tour, Zelensky expressed gratitude to the U.S. for its support and praised the European Union for its unity.
During his visit to the U.K., Zelensky emphasized that any peace agreement must include security guarantees for Ukraine. Before returning to Kyiv, he stated at London’s Stansted Airport that Ukraine was still open to negotiations with the U.S. on mineral-related agreements.
Meanwhile, after a high-level meeting in London on Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer unveiled a four-point plan aimed at ending the war and ensuring Ukraine’s security against future Russian aggression. The plan includes continued military aid to Ukraine, sustained economic pressure on Russia, Ukrainian participation in any peace talks, strengthening Ukraine’s defensive capabilities, and forming a coalition of "volunteers" to support and uphold any peace agreement.
In a related development, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed a one-month ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia, covering air, sea, and energy infrastructure. However, British Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard told that there was no official agreement on such a plan, though discussions had taken place in private meetings.
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov responded by stating that Russia’s military operations in Ukraine would continue until their objectives were achieved. He dismissed any ongoing peace plans, asserting that no coordinated proposal had been made. Additionally, Peskov claimed that Western unity over Ukraine was weakening, with some countries pushing for prolonged military support while others explored alternative solutions.
