Zelensky Fears Russia Organizing ‘New Massive Attacks’ Ahead Of Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested on Saturday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is stalling a face-to-face meeting to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war in order to give Moscow more time to militarily undermine Kyiv.

President Donald Trump helped plant the seeds for a summit involving Zelensky and Putin during his own encounter with the Russian leader in Alaska earlier this month. While Zelensky was swift to agree to such a meeting, Putin has been slower to take the cue, with Moscow arguing that further preliminary discussions are needed to ensure leaders are “well-prepared” to carry out negotiations.

Over the weekend, Zelensky accused Russia of slow walking talks in order to buy more time to carry out fresh attacks on Ukraine after Moscow carried out sweeping aerial strikes overnight. Zelensky called for the U.S. and Europe to place tough sanctions on Putin as a retaliatory measure after Kyiv reported the Kremlin’s military launched 537 drones and decoys, along with 45 missiles at Ukraine overnight Saturday.

“It is absolutely clear that Moscow used the time meant for preparing a leaders-level meeting to organize new massive attacks,” Zelensky said in a statement on X. “The only way to reopen a window of opportunity for diplomacy is through tough measures against all those bankrolling the Russian army and effective sanctions against Moscow itself – banking and energy sanctions.”

“This war won’t stop with political statements alone; real steps are needed. We expect action from the U.S., Europe, and the entire world,” he added.