Zelenskyy says Russia wants war, call for more int'l pressure

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russia’s open rejection of a ceasefire, saying Moscow's recent statements prove it has no interest in ending the war and that international pressure must intensify.

“Today, the Russians once again openly and absolutely cynically declared that they are ‘not in the mood’ for a ceasefire. Russia wants to wage war. Even brandishing some threats. This means the pressure the world is applying isn’t hurting them enough yet, or they are trying very hard to keep up appearances,” Zelenskyy said in his June 20 video address.

He added that Russia’s economy is already deteriorating and urged the international community to further support its collapse:

“Well, the Russian economy is already crumbling. We will support this process even more. Ayatollah Putin can look at his friends in Iran to see where such regimes end up, and how far into decay they drive their countries.”

Zelenskyy also addressed renewed Russian operations in Sumy Oblast, near the border with Russia, where Ukrainian forces are resisting attempts at renewed incursions.

“The Russians had several completely insane plans for Sumy Oblast. Our military is holding them back and destroying the enemy. We are defending our land,” he said, following a General Staff meeting where the situation along the front lines was discussed in detail.

Zelenskyy thanked the Ukrainian forces for their endurance and resistance, particularly in border regions under repeated assault. He said Ukraine will continue to fight and push back until its sovereignty is fully restored.