Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy urges steps to pressure Russia for peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has requested support from U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the removal of restrictions on the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons within Russia’s borders, stating, “We need this step to force Russia to seek peace.”

According to a written statement from the Ukrainian Presidency, this request was made following the conclusion of the European Political Community Summit hosted in London. Starmer welcomed Zelenskyy to 10 Downing Street, where the Ukrainian president also addressed the U.K. Cabinet.

Expressing his gratitude for the support provided by the U.K. amid the Russia-Ukraine War, Zelenskyy emphasized the significance of this gesture and remarked on his first-time participation in such a meeting, highlighting it as a testament to the U.K.’s support for Ukraine.

“Moscow knows that you can make decisions in London to end this war, and it will be a right, just, and fair end,” he said.

Zelenskyy noted Ukraine’s successful defense against a major Russian assault on the Kharkiv region in May, underscoring that lifting restrictions on the use of Western weapons would thwart Russia’s attempts to expand the war. He stressed the need for these weapons to be used not only in border areas but also within Russian territory to prevent airstrikes.

Addressing the ongoing intense airstrikes by the Russian military, Zelenskyy stated, “Putin does not hesitate to bomb residential areas, city squares, hospitals, and schools. Russia uses approximately 3,500 guided air bombs per month. While it is impossible to destroy them all, all missile carriers can be destroyed. I urge you to show leadership and convince other partners to lift these restrictions. We need this step to force Russia to seek peace.”

In a social media statement, Zelenskyy also announced the signing of a Defense Industry Support Agreement between Ukraine and the U.K. during his visit to London.