Zelensky Calls for Firm Stance Against Russia Amid U.S. Diplomatic Efforts

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized on Sunday the importance of not accommodating Russia, following his return from a visit to the United States where he was unable to obtain long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.

Zelensky traveled to Washington after persistent calls for Tomahawks, aiming to leverage U.S. President Donald Trump’s increasing frustration with his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin.

However, the Ukrainian leader returned without securing any agreements as Trump looks to achieve a new diplomatic success linked to last week’s peace deal in Gaza.

“Ukraine will not offer any rewards to terrorists for their actions, and we rely on our allies to support this stance,” Zelensky communicated on social media after returning from the U.S.

He urged his European and American allies to take “decisive actions.”

Trump has seemed notably more optimistic about negotiating a deal since his extensive call with Putin last Thursday, during which they agreed to meet in Budapest.

After their discussion at the White House, Trump mentioned on social media that the talks were “very interesting and friendly,” but he stressed to Zelensky, as well as to President Putin, that it is time to cease hostilities and forge a “DEAL!”

In the meantime, Russia has escalated its attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure in recent weeks, leading to thousands being left without heating and electricity as winter approaches.

“This week alone, Russia launched over 3,270 attack drones, 1,370 guided bombs, and nearly 50 missiles of various types against Ukraine,” Zelensky reported.

On Sunday, two individuals were killed and over a dozen injured in eastern Ukraine, according to Kyiv.

In retaliation, Ukraine has increased its assaults on Russia’s border regions, including attacks on its oil and gas facilities.

This weekend, chemical and gas plants in two Russian regions situated over a thousand miles from the front lines were reported damaged, according to local authorities.

The Russian military announced on Sunday that it had taken control of two villages in Ukraine’s Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, as it continues to engage in costly, incremental battles.

Both sides reported intercepting numerous drones launched against one another overnight.