While his city of Kharkiv reeled from a Russian bomb attack on a hospital that injured 57 people, President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday made a passionate appeal for an end to the war, pointing to the Gaza peace deal as a sign of hope. His message was a stark blend of on-the-ground horror and diplomatic aspiration.
Zelensky framed the Gaza peace plan, achieved under US President Donald Trump’s leadership, as a crucial moment that has created “momentum for advancing peace.” He urged that this momentum not be lost and be immediately redirected towards resolving the conflict in Ukraine, where civilian suffering continues unabated.
The Ukrainian President is actively pursuing this diplomatic angle. He confirmed he had congratulated Trump by phone and has been coordinating his position with allies like Finnish President Alex Stubb, with whom he spoke for over an hour. This shows a determined effort to leverage the global political shift.
The context for these calls is grim. Zelensky detailed the latest wave of Russian aggression, describing it as “aerial terror.” He recounted how 96 drones were launched and how aerial bombs struck civilian infrastructure in Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, and Sumy, causing widespread damage and casualties.
This reality fuels his unwavering demand for more military support. Zelensky was specific in his request for “Patriot, NASAMS, SAMP/T, and other vital systems,” framing them as essential tools to protect his people and force Russia into genuine talks. For Ukraine, he insists, strength is the only path to peace.
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