Ukraine is determined to end the war, while Russia carried out a massive barrage even on the day of talks in Geneva, President Volodymyr Zelensky said in an evening video address on Tuesday, February 17.
“There will be a delegation report today - after the first round of talks in Geneva. The team absolutely must raise the issue of these strikes - first and foremost with the American side, which asked both us and Russia to refrain from strikes. Ukraine is ready. We do not need war,” the head of state said.
Zelensky stressed that Ukraine is not interested in prolonging the war and is acting “in kind,” defending its statehood and independence.
He added that the key question lies with Russia—whether it is ready for real diplomacy and peace, and whether there will be consequences for continuing missile and drone attacks.
“The question is only for the Russians: what do they want? And whether there will be consequences for Russia for the fact that the ‘Shaheds,’ missiles, and fanciful historical rhetoric matter more to them than real diplomacy and lasting peace,” Zelensky noted.
Earlier, day one of talks among Ukraine, the US and Russia concluded in Geneva. Political and military groups will resume work on the morning of February 18.
