Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared that concessions will not persuade Russia to end the war, urging partners again to increase pressure on Moscow. Zelensky stated Russia is “prolonging the war” and shows no interest in stopping it, as reported by The Guardian.
In a social media post, Zelensky asserted that “another week has ended without any attempt by Russia to heed the world’s numerous demands and stop the killings.” Facing continued Russian attacks, he affirmed, “We hold our positions and do everything possible to destroy or expel the occupier,” adding, “We are defending the lives of our people and strengthening our air defenses.” Zelensky emphasized, “Russia refuses to stop the killings and therefore must receive no reward or benefit. This is not only a moral position, it is rational. Concessions do not convince a murderer.” Ukraine is working with partners to achieve “a genuine peace, peace through strength,” which, according to the president, is “the only kind of peace that can be achieved with Russia.”
The European Union is convening an emergency video conference of its foreign ministers today, attempting to influence talks scheduled this week between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin on the Ukraine war. These talks have raised fears of a deal made at Kyiv’s expense.
Europeans have intensified contacts and are working to form a united front supporting Ukraine following the announcement of the summit between the US and Russian presidents in Alaska on Friday. Currently, Ukrainian President Zelensky’s attendance is not planned, though it remains “possible,” according to US Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker. Today’s meeting was called by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. Ukrainian Minister Andrii Sybiha will also participate.
This meeting follows a series of contacts over the weekend, including a Saturday meeting in the UK between European and American national security advisors attended by US Vice President J.D. Vance, alongside numerous phone calls. Zelensky himself held talks over the past three days with 13 European leaders, as well as the presidents of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan. Kyiv is “obviously working with the United States.”
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, in an ongoing press conference called to inform Polish media after weekend consultations among European leaders, stated that Kyiv must be involved in peace talks concerning Ukraine, and Russia must not be allowed to challenge borders “with impunity.” He added that European leaders “remain united in their approach.” “For Poland and our European partners, it must be clear that borders cannot be changed by force” and that “the West will not accept Russian demands that simply amount to the conquest of Ukrainian territory.”
Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz told PAP, reported by Ukrinform, that “Inviting Zelensky to the Alaska meeting would be the best decision under the current circumstances.” “I believe President Zelensky will be invited. Today some information is emerging that there is a possibility President Zelensky will be present at the meeting between President Trump and Putin. It would be the best decision and I believe it will happen,” Kosiniak-Kamysz stated. “Last week I had the opportunity to speak with President Trump’s closest advisors,” he added, “who conveyed his determination to achieve the goal of peace. Poland will do everything possible to achieve a just peace.” In his view, reaching a ceasefire agreement involving President Zelensky is now closer than ever. He added that if this were to happen on August 15th, the anniversary of the victory over the Bolsheviks in the 1920 Battle of Warsaw, it would be “the fairest gift” for this part of the world and the region’s future. Poland is prepared to support a potential peacekeeping mission in Ukraine by offering logistical and infrastructural assistance while keeping its troops on Polish territory.