Zelensky Says Russia ‘Trying to Buy Time’ to ‘Continue War’

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday accused Russia of undermining peace talks and seeking to prolong its three-year war against Ukraine.

Zelensky’s comments came a day after US President Trump held calls with both Zelensky and Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Moscow’s invasion.

“It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation,” Zelensky said in a post on social media.

Zelensky added that Kyiv is working with allies to increase pressure on Moscow. 

“We are working with partners so that pressure forces the Russians to behave differently. Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who makes them more tangible for the perpetrators of the war,” he added. 

Zelensky also called for “tough consequences” if Moscow “continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine possible results,” echoing his statement on Monday evening. 

In a post on X after the phone calls, Zelensky said the world should sanction Moscow if it “continues to drag out the war.” 

“If Russia refuses to stop the killings, refuses to release prisoners of war and hostages, if Putin puts forward unrealistic demands, this will mean that Russia continues to drag out the war, and deserves that Europe, America, and the world act accordingly, including with further sanctions.”

During Friday’s Istanbul talks between Kyiv and Moscow – their first in over three years – the Russian delegation reportedly asked Kyiv to withdraw troops as a precondition for a ceasefire, a call Kyiv rejected as “unacceptable.” 

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Putin said after his Monday call with Trump that Moscow is open to having a “memorandum“ on a ceasefire with Kyiv but rejected an immediate, unconditional ceasefire as the West advocated. 

Following the call, Berlin said European leaders have agreed to “increase pressure” on Russia via sanctions