Zelenskyy Presses U.S. to Stand Firm as Russia Strikes During Peace Efforts
Kyiv – August 16, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Washington to project unwavering strength in the push to end the conflict with Russia, warning that Moscow’s ongoing attacks during peace negotiations reveal the true difficulty of reaching an agreement.
On the same day that U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin met in Alaska for critical talks, Zelenskyy condemned Russia’s continued military actions, saying their conduct “speaks volumes” about their real intentions.
Call for a Fair Resolution
The Ukrainian leader stressed that Kyiv is ready to engage constructively and work at full capacity to end the war, but any settlement must be equitable. He noted that Ukraine has been consulting with both the United States and European partners on what practical steps could genuinely halt the fighting.
U.S. Influence as a Deciding Element
Zelenskyy made it clear that the United States’ stance will heavily shape the outcome of any negotiations. “The Russians factor in American strength. Make no mistake – strength,” he said, emphasizing that Moscow assesses its strategy based on U.S. resolve and commitment.
Violence Undermining Diplomacy
Reports of fresh Russian strikes inside Ukraine on the day of the Alaska summit have intensified concerns about the credibility of Russia’s participation in peace talks. Analysts suggest the timing of these attacks could weaken trust and complicate the path toward a ceasefire.
With the world watching the Trump–Putin meeting, Zelenskyy’s warning served as both a caution and a call to action: without decisive American leadership, hopes for a genuine peace may collapse, leaving the war — and its toll on civilians — to drag on.
