Zelensky: Russia preparing for new offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia regions

President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia is preparing for new offensives in Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. He emphasized that Russia wants war, which is why sanctions pressure cannot be eased.

As reported by Ukrinform, the head of state announced this during the meeting of leaders supporting Ukraine, held in Paris.

"The situation on the front line is still very tough. Stabilization on the front is a solid base for diplomacy. We’ve managed to make things more stable in Donetsk region, and we’re continuing operations in Russia’s Kursk region to protect our eastern areas. According to our intelligence, Russia is getting ready for new offensives against Sumy, Kharkiv, and Zaporizhzhia regions. They’re dragging out the talks and trying to get the U.S. stuck in endless, pointless discussions about fake ‘conditions’ just to buy time and then try to grab more land," Zelensky said.

He noted that Putin wants to negotiate over territory from a position of strength and is solely focused on war.

"So our job – all of us – is defense in the broadest sense of the word. That means keeping military aid going, but also, we need investments, more joint projects, more co-production, more localization, all aimed at scaling up and developing our defense production – from shells to drones and missiles," the President said.

He also called on European partners to maintain sanctions pressure on the aggressor state.

"Russia breaks its promises way too often – we can’t take steps toward them unless they really change. Sanctions must stay in place for as long as the aggression and occupation continue. I’m asking all of you to stay firm and to work with our other partners to keep the pressure on Russia," the head of state stressed.

As reported by Ukrinform, today in Paris, a meeting of world leaders took place, where they discussed support for Ukraine in deterring Russian aggression and achieving a just and lasting peace.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine