Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky sharply reacted to the latest statements by former U
S. President Donald Trump, who in his post described a conversation with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. During his speech on June 4, Zelensky emphasized that the Kremlin, conducting a war against Ukraine, consistently demonstrates to the entire world its attitude through crude games of cynicism and disrespect for international norms. According to the Ukrainian president, each new strike on Ukrainian cities and villages is not just an escalation of the conflict but one of Russia's ways to show to the world its blatant disrespect and cynicism in a provocative manner. "With each new missile strike, each successful propaganda intrigue, each diplomatic effort delay, Russia demonstrates a simple and cynical message to all of us: they are not afraid of the international community. They give the middle finger to the entire world, including those countries and leaders who are trying to resolve this war through diplomatic means and who seek to force Russia to peace. But in reality, it is Moscow that should feel the pain of sanctions and isolation. They must understand themselves that war has its price—a very high price paid by innocent Ukrainians, civilians, and military personnel. And that is why world leaders must act decisively to force Russia to peace,” Zelensky underlined. The president outlined the scale of destruction and casualties already caused by Russian aggression. According to him, since the beginning of 2025, Russian troops have used over 27,700 air bombs against Ukraine, about 11,200 so-called Shahed drones—deadly unmanned aerial vehicles—and nearly 9,000 strike drones of other types. Additionally, more than 700 missiles of various types, including strategic ballistic missiles, have been launched. Zelensky noted that during periods of weakness and disappointment, when the Kremlin does not feel pressure or feels safe from impunity, Putin increases the level of attacks, operating in a state of criminal irresponsibility. “When Putin senses that his positions are weakening or that international sanctions do not restrain him, he begins new crimes—mass strikes on civilian infrastructure, killings, and destruction. He interprets such situations as a permit from the world and relevant states to silently watch as our cities are destroyed and people die. These are not just acts of aggression—they are a demonstration that he does not yield to sanctions, pressure, or the international community. That is why responsibility also lies with those who have influence and could have stopped this war at early stages,” Zelensky emphasized. He summarized that a strategy of weakness encourages Putin’s criminals to go further, feeling impunity, and called on the global community to unite and stand firm against Putin’s aggression. “If world leaders want to stop this war, they must act now, for otherwise Putin will learn historically that weakness is his best weapon. And if they, leaders, cannot stop him—that means they share responsibility for the crimes committed by Russia against Ukrainians. It is a matter of their conscience and the security of the entire world,” Zelensky is convinced. Concluding his speech, the president called on everyone for unity and immediate action in the fight for peace, justice, and Ukraine’s integrity, emphasizing that every step must be weighed and decisive to put an end to foreign aggression and make Russia understand: the world will not allow it to continue cynically ignoring the international community.