There is no peace because Russia refuses to end the war. On 16 June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of derailing all global efforts to achieve peace, speaking at a press conference in Vienna following talks with Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, UNIAN reports.
Kremlin continues to reject diplomatic solutions and prolongs hostilities. Moreover, after US President Donald Trump claimed he would end the war one day after assuming the presidency, and then changed that to 100 days, the number of Russian attacks has doubled, as well as killed Ukrainians, including children. Experts say that Moscow may plan to hold “peace talks” for an unidentified period of time to avoid sanctions.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv remains open to diplomacy, but the Kremlin blocks every initiative.
“We’re doing everything we can to end this war… but there’s no ceasefire, no honest diplomacy, no lasting security. And that’s only because of Russia,” he said.
He called for increased pressure on Moscow to stop the bloodshed and destruction, adding that this was a key focus of his discussions in Vienna.
Zelenskyy urged the EU to adopt a strong 18th sanctions package and maintain existing restrictions, including the freeze on Russian assets.
According to the Ukrainian leader, President Van der Bellen expressed readiness to support peace efforts and provide “credible mediation” in any potential talks with Russia.
Zelenskyy also stressed the importance of preserving transatlantic unity.
“We all want the US–Europe alliance to stay strong. If it collapses, Europe will have to rapidly build up its defense industry, which takes big money and very little time,” he warned.
Finally, Zelenskyy announced plans to speak with US President Donald Trump about a new defense package Ukraine is ready to purchase.