Zelensky: U.S. ‘Silence’ Emboldens Putin After Major Russian Air Attacks
Following a massive Russian aerial assault, one of the largest seen in the conflict thus far, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a strong statement regarding the ongoing war.
In a statement given Sunday morning, Zelensky reported that Russia launched “nearly 300 attack drones” and “almost 70 missiles of various types” overnight. The exact number of casualties is currently unconfirmed.
Concurrently, Russia’s defense ministry claimed its air defenses intercepted 95 Ukrainian drones. According to the ministry, “From 8:00 p.m. Moscow time on May 24 to 12:00 a.m. on May 25, air defenses destroyed and intercepted 95 Ukrainian fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles.”
“Russia is prolonging this conflict and continues its deadly attacks daily. While the world might pause for weekends, the war persists relentlessly,” he stated.
The Ukrainian President then criticized the United States for its “silence,” asserting that Russia’s actions, and those of President Vladimir Putin, “cannot be overlooked.”
“The silence of America, the silence of others globally, only emboldens Putin,” he declared. “Without significant pressure on the Russian leadership, this brutality will continue. Sanctions are helpful, but determination is key – determination from the United States, European nations, and all peace-seeking nations around the world.”
Subsequently, Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, urged an immediate ceasefire on X.
“This is Kyiv. The indiscriminate killing of women and children in their homes at night is a clear violation of the 1977 Geneva Peace Protocols designed to protect innocents. These attacks are shameful. Stop the killing. Cease-fire now,” he posted.
These recent attacks overshadowed a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine on Sunday. “303 Ukrainian defenders are returning home. This completes the third part of the 1000-for-1000 exchange agreement reached in Turkey,” Ukrainian officials announced.
During peace talks in Turkey on Friday, May 16, both countries agreed to release 1,000 prisoners of war, marking the largest exchange to date. Neither Putin nor Zelensky attended the talks; Putin declined Zelensky’s offer for a face-to-face meeting and did not send himself to Turkey with the Russian delegation.
Amid ongoing global efforts to negotiate a ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war, Trump spoke with Zelensky on Monday, May 19. The U.S. President described the conversation as having an “excellent tone and spirit” and said that it “went very well,” announcing that ceasefire discussions would commence “immediately.” As planned, Trump proceeded to contact Zelensky and other European leaders.
Following his discussion with Trump, Zelensky described it as “a defining moment” on social media.
“The world will now see if its leaders are truly committed to securing a ceasefire and achieving lasting peace,” he stated. “I reaffirmed to President Trump that Ukraine is prepared for a complete and unconditional ceasefire… This proposal must not be weakened. If the Russians are unwilling to halt the violence, stronger sanctions are needed. Increased pressure on Russia will lead to genuine peace—this is evident to everyone worldwide.”
Zelensky’s recent criticism of America’s “silence” represents the latest development in the often strained relationship between the U.S. and Ukrainian leadership. On February 28, Zelensky and Trump engaged in a tense exchange during a meeting, which was recorded for public viewing. Their disagreement centered on efforts to establish a Russia-Ukraine ceasefire.
Since then, the two leaders have moved forward and engaged in productive discussions, notably during their meeting on April 26 in Rome, their first face-to-face conversation since the White House incident. After their conversation, Zelensky expressed optimism about future talks and relations on social media.
“Good meeting. We discussed a lot one-on-one. Hoping for results on everything we covered. Protecting lives of our people,” he said. “Very symbolic meeting that has potential to become historic, if we achieve joint results.”
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