Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky responded Monday to an attack by US President Donald Trump, who accused him of refusing to end the war with Russia. Zelensky said Ukraine has accepted every proposal for a ceasefire or end to the war, while Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the offers and refused even minimal steps to reduce tensions.
"Last night, Russia launched another ballistic missile attack, and again, there was no warning from our partners," Zelensky said. "Once again, the targets were energy facilities and infrastructure, but this time a factory, a school, a railway station and ordinary residential buildings were also hit."
"Ukraine never wanted this war," he said. "We responded positively to every ceasefire proposal and welcomed every attempt by our partners to bring about a dignified end to the war. But Russia's response, time after time, has been to launch ballistic missiles, drones and kill people."
Zelensky went on to attack the Russian president: "Not only is Putin not interested in ending this war, he is not even interested in taking the smallest steps to reduce tensions. Each of our partners has encountered this personally, after receiving a refusal from Russia."
"It is essential to call things by their names, to define the aggressor as the aggressor, and to help Ukraine defend human life. When the supply of missiles to Ukraine's air defense system is blocked, while Russia receives relief or postponement of sanctions, this is, unfortunately, a denial of reality by our partners," he concluded, expressing criticism of American policy. "In practice, the war continues, driven solely by Russian attacks and Russia's desire to prolong this conflict. I thank everyone who recognizes this reality and helps Ukraine."
