Zelensky calls for "real steps" against Russia

Specifically, Zelenskyi called for tough tariffs against those states that buy oil and gas from Russia and thus also finance the Russian army. These include China and India, which he did not name. Further sanctions are needed against Russia itself in the banking and energy sectors.

Kiev: Moscow used the time to prepare new attacks

"We expect America, Europe and the whole world to act," said Selenskyj. He complained that Russia had shown with its recent attacks with missiles, drones and cruise missiles that it does not care about words alone. "We expect real action," the President emphasized. It was absolutely clear that Moscow had used the time recently given by the West to prepare a meeting at the level of the presidents of Ukraine and Russia to organize new massive attacks.

A meeting between Zelensky and Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin, as requested by US President Donald Trump, is not yet in sight. Zelenskyi had declared his willingness to do so, but the Kremlin insists that a peace agreement be negotiated at expert level first. Moscow therefore sees a meeting at best as the conclusion of peace negotiations if an agreement is to be signed. The Kremlin has repeatedly stated that Western sanctions would not be able to end the war.