LONDON — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his appeal for the United States to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, warning that Putin’s escalating drone strikes are sabotaging chances for peace.
In a direct message shared on Telegram, Zelenskyy said, “Russian strikes are becoming increasingly brazen and large-scale every night,” following several days of intensive Russian attacks using more than 900 drones and missiles.
“There is no military logic in this, but it is a clear political choice — the choice of Putin, the choice of Russia — the choice to keep waging war and destroying lives,” Zelenskyy stressed.
Putin Portrayed as Main Obstacle to Peace
Zelenskyy urged global powers, especially the U.S. and Europe, to implement “new and strong sanctions against Russia” to force Moscow to halt its aggression and engage sincerely in diplomacy.
“Putin must start respecting those he talks to,” Zelenskyy wrote. “For now, he is simply playing games with diplomacy and diplomats. That must change.”
U.S. Mediation Struggles Under Trump
Despite U.S.-brokered negotiations, efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire have faltered. President Donald Trump has shown growing irritation, recently labeling Putin “absolutely crazy” but also criticizing Zelenskyy for fueling “problems” through public statements.
Kyiv is advocating for a 30-day ceasefire window to allow formal peace talks, but the Kremlin has so far declined. Putin assured Trump last week that Russia was preparing a memorandum outlining its negotiation terms, yet Ukrainian and European leaders accuse Moscow of deliberate stalling.
Russia and Ukraine Continue Drone Warfare
The conflict on the ground remains intense. Ukraine’s air force reported it shot down 43 of 60 Russian drones launched overnight, with confirmed strikes in nine locations and debris falling in three. Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have intercepted 99 Ukrainian drones over seven regions.
Ukraine Pushes for Sanctions to Break Deadlock
Ukrainian leaders believe tougher U.S. sanctions are essential to compel the Kremlin to abandon maximalist demands — including annexing Ukrainian territories, enforcing demilitarization, and permanently blocking Ukraine’s NATO ambitions.
Despite repeated requests, Zelenskyy’s calls for U.S. sanctions on Russia have gone unanswered. On Monday, Zelenskyy cast doubt on Russia’s negotiation sincerity, writing, “They’ve already spent over a week on this. They talk a lot about diplomacy. But when, in the midst of all that, there are constant Russian strikes, constant killings, relentless assaults, and even preparations for new offensives,” it’s hard to take them seriously.
With diplomatic efforts hanging in the balance, all eyes are now on Washington to see whether new measures will shift the conflict’s trajectory.
