Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refrained from commenting on how Kyiv’s recent drone attack on Russian air bases may affect peace talks.
“You’ll see everything,” Zelensky told reporters in Vilnius when asked about the potential impact of this attack on peace talks in Istanbul, set to take place later on Monday.
The Ukrainian president is in Vilnius for a summit of leaders from NATO’s eastern and northern member countries.
No positive steps from Russia expected
Russian and Ukrainian officials are expected to hold a second round of direct talks in Istanbul on Monday to exchange their plans for how to end Moscow’s invasion, now in its fourth year.
The talks come a day after Ukraine launched a massive drone assault on Russian military aircraft, hitting several air bases thousands of kilometres from the border.
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) said on Sunday evening that the estimated damage stood at 7 billion US dollars (6.17 billion euros).
Zelensky said earlier that Ukraine had used 117 drones in the operation.
“We have to demonstrate that every country is ready to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity,” the president said.
“And Ukraine, I think, is a very strong example for everybody and that’s why we need the support of our European partners and American partners, because now to strengthen Ukraine means to strengthen the frontline of Europe,” he added.
Zelensky said he did not think the Russian delegation in Istanbul would be “ready for some productive meetings”.
“For us, very important is a ceasefire – unconditional, of course – and humanitarian issues, such as bringing back abducted children and, of course, the exchange of warriors, as well as doing everything possible for other prisoners: civilian prisoners, journalists and political prisoners,” he said.
Need for tougher sanctions
The Ukrainian president said that if the second round of talks fails to yield results, new and tougher sanctions against Russia’s energy and financial sectors would be needed.
“If the Istanbul meeting brings nothing, that clearly means strong new sanctions are urgently needed from the EU’s 18th package and from the US, specifically, the strongest sanctions President [Donald] Trump promised,” Zelensky told other leaders at the summit in Vilnius.
“Sanctions should hit Russian energy, especially oil, and tankers, price caps, of course, and also Russian banks and the financial sector overall,” he said.
Following Trump’s remarks on sanctions, US lawmakers have also stepped up calls for sanctions.
Republican Senator Chuck Grassley said on X that it was “time for sanctions” that were strong enough for Putin to know it was “game over”.
Two other senators, Republican Lindsey Graham and Democrat Richard Blumenthal, also called for heavy “secondary” sanctions on countries that buy Russian oil, gas and raw materials.
The EU adopted its 17th sanctions package against Moscow in May, but some member states are already pushing for an 18th round.
Allies urged to watch Belarus
In Vilnius, Zelensky thanked allies for their support so far and expressed hope for continued cooperation.
“Ukraine can cover up to 40 percent of its weapons needs with domestic production, but this requires stable funding. Our operations show how much impact investments, especially in drones, can have,” the president said.
“And we still urgently need air defence, especially Patriot systems and the missiles for them,” he added.
Zelensky also called on allies to seek intelligence on Belarus’ plans during Zapad, a large-scale joint military exercise with Russia.
“Ask your intelligence what Russia is planning this summer in Belarus. If they are bold enough to prepare attacks from there, then we need more strength together,” he said.
Held every two years since 2009, the Zapad exercise is scheduled for September.
The officially stated objectives are to practice joint defensive and offensive operations, improve cooperation between the armed forces and test troops' readiness for various security scenarios.
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