Zelensky Calls for Active Cooperation with the US to Pressure Putin During G7 Summit
During this year's G7 summit held in Canada, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky delivered an important appeal, emphasizing the need to intensify international pressure on Russia to stop its aggression against Ukraine. According to the head of state, the primary ally in this process remains the United States, and he believes it is necessary to continue urging the American leader, Donald Trump, to exert pressure on the Kremlin. In his speech made on Tuesday as part of the summit, Zelensky noted that, besides diplomatic efforts, economic sanctions should become a key tool. "We must unite our efforts so that the US utilizes its significant power and forces Russia to cease its hostile actions and put an end to this conflict," he emphasized. Volodymyr Zelensky underlined that Washington must use "its real influence" to achieve an end to the war, and one of the crucial elements in this context is changing the pricing policy regarding Russian oil. The Ukrainian leader mentioned that Vladimir Putin "openly rejects all peace initiatives" and is leading an uncompromising campaign of strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure and civilians, including with the use of drones. According to him, this terrorist mode of warfare remains the only real change in Russia's behavior since the US changed its president. "Now is the time to act decisively and persistently," he called on summit participants. Zelensky also urged the international community to work together to establish price caps on Russian oil to intensify the negative economic impact on the Kremlin. "I call on all leaders—and primarily our Western partners—to unite efforts and set the price of Russian oil at no more than $30 per barrel," he stated, adding that this would serve not only as economic pressure but also as a political lever to force Russia to end its aggression. Volodymyr Zelensky expressed confidence that Western leaders should continue to urge US President Trump to use his influence to pressure Putin. "All our efforts should focus on forcing Russia to sit at the negotiating table, to stop destroying Ukrainian cities and killing our people," he stressed. According to the Ukrainian president, it was the US and Trump who initially proposed efforts toward ceasefire and diplomatic resolution of the conflict. However, Russia "blocked all these efforts" and continues the war. Despite this, Zelensky emphasized that the international community must remain steadfast in its support for Ukraine and not give up on the pursuit of peace. He highlighted the need to intensify both diplomatic pressure and economic sanctions because only through these measures can we force Russia to return to negotiations and end the military conflict. Regarding agreements with the US, the summit was significant for Trump because, in his words, he left earlier than planned to return to Washington and focus on international issues, including the Israel-Iran conflict. Although Zelensky’s main focus was on the situation in Ukraine, the Ukrainian president planned to discuss with his American counterpart the supply of a new US defense package, which could further strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Against this backdrop, the diplomatic marathon of support for Ukraine continues. World leaders are committed to further active backing of Ukraine’s fight for independence and sovereignty, but resolving the conflict depends on coordinated and decisive actions from all sides. Zelensky calls for unity and perseverance, as only through these can the situation be fundamentally changed towards a just and lasting peace settlement.