Zelenskyy issues sharp warning to Putin following Moscow drone attack
"If Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn too," Ukrainian leader warns Kremlin.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy. / © Associated Press
The recent drone attack on Moscow is an "absolutely just response" to Russian strikes on Ukraine, including those hitting the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated.
The Ukrainian leader made these remarks during a press briefing with journalists.
"If Putin does not want to end this war, we will not sit quietly; we will respond. The response must be strong and just. We do not want this war and never did. And we certainly do not want Ukraine to burn because of the enemy. However, if Ukraine burns, Moscow will burn too," the head of state stressed.
The president said that "it is time to end the aggression, time to end this war." Since Moscow refuses to engage, pressure must be increased through Ukraine's long-range sanctions and additional restrictions from Kyiv's partners targeting the energy, oil, gas, defense and banking sectors, as well as the shadow fleet.
"This is to ensure Russia feels there is no point in fighting. So that the Russian people begin to feel that only one man—Putin—is waging war, while the people pay the price. In my view, everyone needs to pressure Putin—Ukrainians, Europeans, Americans, and Russians," Zelenskyy said.