Russians should sober up and pressure Putin after strikes on Moscow, Zelenskyy says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that pressure on Russian leader Vladimir Putin to end the war must be increased not only by Ukraine and its allies, but also by Russians themselves.

Source: European Pravda, citing Zelenskyy in an audio comment to journalists

Details: Zelenskyy described the strikes on Moscow on 18 June as an "absolutely justified" response by Ukraine to Russia's latest large-scale attacks.

Quote: "You all see that even with three layers of air defence around Moscow, we said we would reach them. If Putin doesn't want to end this war and chooses to continue it, we won't sit quietly. We will respond."

More details: Zelenskyy said all of Ukraine's partners believe Ukraine is "100%" in favour of ending the war, while Putin is "100% doing everything he can to avoid directly answering questions about a ceasefire and ending the war".

Quote: "That's why I believe we must increase pressure. Of course, I mean pressure of various kinds. This is not only Ukraine's long-range sanctions. It also covers sanctions by our partners, energy sanctions, the shadow fleet, energy, oil, gas, the banking system, weapons, the defence industry – everything possible. Russia must feel that there is no point in fighting."

More details: Zelenskyy said the key thing is for the Russian people to begin to realise that one person, Putin, is waging the war, while ordinary people are paying the price for everything.

Quote: "And therefore, in my view, everyone must put pressure on Putin: Ukrainians, absolutely all Europeans, Americans and Russians. It is time to sober up and put pressure on your leader."

Background:

• Following the G7 summit, Trump said that he had had "very good talks" with both Putin and Zelenskyy, stating that both leaders want to end the war but do not know how.
• Trump also stated that he is considering reinstating sanctions on Russian oil following the temporary exemption that had been introduced amid soaring global energy prices caused by the conflict with Iran.

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