The United States will increase sanctions against Russia and step up support for Kyiv if the Kremlin refuses to agree to a ceasefire in the war it is waging against Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declared on Wednesday.
When asked by journalists in Kyiv what actions he expects from the U.S. if Russia does not agree to a truce, Zelensky responded:
“There will be strong measures against the Russian side. I understand that we can expect decisive steps. I don’t know the details yet, but we are talking about sanctions and, accordingly, strengthening Ukraine.”
The president advised waiting for Russia’s official response to the proposals to end the war.
“What are the chances? We will see,” he emphasized, as quoted by Interfax-Ukraine.
Zelensky noted that the Ukrainian-American agreements reached on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia are unfavorable for the Kremlin.
“The Russians are doing everything to drive a wedge between Ukraine and America. The results of the talks in Saudi Arabia can be interpreted in different ways. The resumption of aid—some see this as the main outcome. The first steps toward ending the war—others consider this a positive result,” he observed.
“I believe that the very fact of the meeting in Saudi Arabia undermines Russia’s plans to escalate tensions between Ukraine and America. On the contrary, there has been de-escalation. And that is how it should be between partners,” the president emphasized.
Zelensky once again declared that Ukraine would not agree to any territorial concessions to Russia.
“We will defend our sovereignty and independence, protecting our people and our land. It is very difficult for us to fight such an enemy, but today we are fighting for our independence, and that is why we will not recognize any territories occupied by the Russian Federation,” he stated.
In this war, “our heroes have perished. So many have been wounded, so much has happened. That is why no one will forget,” he added.
The president reiterated that no elections would take place in Ukraine while martial law remains in effect.
“Once the war is over, martial law will be lifted, and then elections will be held in accordance with Ukrainian law. Nothing will be postponed,” Zelensky assured.