President Zelensky Accuses Russia of Ambiguity and Irresponsible Attitude Toward Negotiations
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his address delivered on May 13, once again emphasized that Russia resorts to many verbal promises regarding the possibility of direct negotiations, but when it’s time to act, its representatives sharply hide and evade responsibility. The main points of his speech were the situation in Kharkiv and the need to pressure the aggressor country to end the war. Zelensky reported that recovery works are ongoing in Kharkiv after a recent strike by a Russian drone. According to him, no residents have been injured so far, but rescue teams and repair crews are working on-site. It was noted that this was yet another inhumane shelling of civilian infrastructure — an energy facility that has no military significance and serve solely humanitarian functions. This once again confirms Russia’s character, which, according to Zelensky, is waging war in its usual style — armed attacks on civilian objects in peaceful settlements, demonstrating its persistent aggression and irresponsibility. The Head of State stressed that despite all the talk about the desire for peaceful negotiations and finding diplomatic solutions, the Kremlin’s real policy is quite different. “When everyone expects Russia to step down from its position as an aggressor and agree to negotiations, they only resort again to new strikes and assaults — claiming that this demonstrates their strength and confidence, while we must be prepared for everything,” Zelensky said. The president stressed that Russia is the only strong party delaying the war, which it started in February 2022. He stated that Russia is responsible for the duration of the conflict and all its devastating consequences. Pressure on Russia by the efforts of the international community is necessary and urgent — only in this way can the aggressor country be forced to change its policy and take control of the situation. In a conversation with journalists, Zelensky added that the Ukrainian team is already actively preparing for the next diplomatic steps. In particular, a visit to Turkey is planned soon — a country of great importance in seeking compromises and diplomatic solutions. “We understand that the situation requires dialogue and diplomacy, but above all — Russia must be forced to sit at the negotiating table and start peace talks. For this, appropriate pressure must be created, and it must be shown that Ukraine will not retreat and will fight for its independence to the end,” he emphasized. Thus, Zelensky once again underlines that Russian actions are not only a war on the front but also a targeted destabilization strategy aimed at confusing fellow citizens and the global community. At the same time, the Ukrainian authorities and international partners are working to develop effective mechanisms to end the conflict, put an end to Russia’s irresponsibility, and hold it accountable for its actions.