Kyiv (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russian strikes killing civilians, urged reliable security, and warned Moscow must not be rewarded.
As reported by The Guardian, Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the overnight Russian strikes in Ukraine, describing them as a clear sign of Moscow’s aggressive and cynical stance in the conflict.
Volodymyr Zelensky’s views on rewarding Russia
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Russia must not be rewarded ahead of talks with Donald Trump.
He said,
“Putin will commit demonstrative killings to maintain pressure on Ukraine and Europe, as well as to humiliate diplomatic efforts,”
Adding,
“Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war.”
Mr Zelensky stated,
“The Russian war machine continues to destroy lives despite everything.”
He added,
“That is precisely why we are seeking assistance to put an end to the killings. That is why reliable security guarantees are required. That is why Russia should not be rewarded for its participation in this war. The war must be ended. And it is Moscow that must hear the word: ‘Stop.’”
Volodymyr Zelensky’s stance on Russian strikes in Ukraine
Volodymyr Zelensky said,
“And at this very moment, the Russians are attacking Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, the Sumy region, and Odesa, destroying residential buildings and our civilian infrastructure.”
He stated,
“Russians are deliberately killing people, particularly children. As of now, seven people have been killed as a result of the drone strike in Kharkiv, the youngest being a girl who is only a year and a half old, and dozens have been injured, including children.”
The Ukrainian president stated,
“In Zaporizhzhia, missile strikes injured 20 people and killed three. My condolences go out to all of the victims’ families and loved ones.”
He said,
“They are aware that a meeting is taking place today in Washington that will address the end of the war. We will have a discussion with President Trump about key issues. Along with Ukraine, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Finland, the European Union, and NATO will participate in the conversation,”
Adding,
“Everyone seeks dignified peace and true security.”
Deaths caused by a Russian air strike on Kharkiv
Ukrainian officials confirm seven dead, including a toddler and a teenager, after a Russian strike on Kharkiv.
Kharkiv governor Oleh Synehubov said six children were among 20 people injured, following the Russian attack.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated,
“Russia is a murderous war machine that Ukraine is holding back. And it must be stopped through transatlantic unity and pressure.”
Which European leaders will join Trump and Zelensky in Ukraine talks?
European leaders seek to pressure Trump into new Russia sanctions at White House talks on Monday, August 18.
The UK, France, Italy, Germany, Poland, Finland, and the European Commission will join Mr Zelensky in negotiations with Mr Trump, aiming to influence the peace process.
Earlier this month, they issued a joint statement, adding,
“We share the conviction that a diplomatic solution must protect Ukraine’s and Europe’s vital security interests.”
They stated,
“Ukraine has the freedom of choice over its own destiny. Meaningful negotiations can only take place in the context of a ceasefire or reduction of hostilities. The path to peace in Ukraine cannot be decided without Ukraine. We remain committed to the principle that international borders must not be changed by force. The current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations.”
Referring to the meeting, President Trump said,
“Big day at the White House tomorrow. Never had so many European Leaders at one time. My great honour to host them!!!”
What did US Secretary Marco Rubio say about European leaders’ visit to the White House?
Marco Rubio rejected claims that European leaders are coming to defend Zelensky in peace talks.
He added,
“They’re not coming here tomorrow to keep Zelensky from being bullied. They’re coming here tomorrow because we’ve been working with the Europeans. We invited them to come.”
What did Trump say about Zelensky ending the war with Russia?
US President Donald Trump said his Ukrainian counterpart could “end the war with Russia almost immediately.”
He stated,
“President Zelenskyy of Ukraine can end the war with Russia almost immediately, if he wants to, or he can continue to fight.”
Mr Trump added,
“Remember how it started. No getting back Obama given Crimea (12 years ago, without a shot being fired!), and NO GOING INTO NATO BY UKRAINE. Some things never change!!!”
What did China’s Mao Ning say about the Ukraine peace talks?
China urged “all parties” invited to the Washington meeting to reach a deal quickly.
Mao Ning, a foreign ministry spokesman, added,
“We hope that all parties and stakeholders will participate in the peace talks in a timely manner and reach a fair, lasting, binding and acceptable peace agreement to all parties as soon as possible.”
Key details about the Ukraine-Russia war
The conflict began in February 2014 with Russia’s annexation of Crimea and support for separatists in Donbas, escalating into a full-scale invasion in February 2022. Over 1 million people, including civilians and military personnel.
Russia occupies parts of Ukraine illegally, including Crimea and regions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson. As of mid-2025, about 7.2% of Ukraine (43,744 km²) remains under Russian control.