DNIPRO, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Tuesday that mounting pressure, particularly from the United States, could eventually force Russia into a ceasefire, even as Moscow remains unwilling to agree to one unconditionally.
Speaking to business leaders in the Dnipro region, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s stance on ending hostilities without preconditions.
“Ukraine has demonstrated – and everyone emphasizes this – its readiness for a full and unconditional ceasefire. We are not setting any conditions, and the Russians have no right to set any either,” Zelenskyy said.
However, he warned that Ukraine would not support lifting sanctions on Russia in exchange for a ceasefire, a position backed by European allies.
The Ukrainian president accused Russia of stalling to gain territorial advantages, citing failed offensive operations in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia.
“Many people around the world now see how Russia is avoiding a ceasefire agreement,” Zelenskyy said.
He expressed confidence that diplomatic and economic pressure, particularly from Washington, would eventually force Moscow to halt its aggression.
“I believe that increased pressure and dialogue between the Americans and them will inevitably lead to a ceasefire,” he said.
