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Putin Blocks Peace Efforts, Aims to Make War in Ukraine “Endless,” Says Zelenskyy

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Putin Blocks Peace Efforts, Aims to Make War in Ukraine “Endless,” Says Zelenskyy
Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine’s president, following a Bloomberg Television interview at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, on January 22, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian leader Vladimir Putin of deliberately extending the war and avoiding peace negotiations, saying Putin fears strong leaders and is doing everything possible to make the war endless, Zelenskyy stated on X on January 28.

“Today, Putin once again confirmed that he is afraid of negotiations, afraid of strong leaders, and does everything possible to prolong the war. Every move he makes and all his cynical tricks are aimed at making the war endless,” Zelenskyy wrote.

His statement came as Putin, speaking on Russian state television, dismissed the possibility of negotiating with Zelenskyy, claiming the Ukrainian leader is “illegitimate” and cannot sign any agreements.

“Negotiations can be held with anyone,” Putin said. “But due to [Zelenskyy’s] illegitimacy, he has no right to sign anything. If [Zelenskyy] wants to take part in talks, I will delegate people who will conduct such talks. But the issue is the ultimate signing of the documents.”

This claim, frequently pushed by Russian propaganda, has been dismissed by Ukrainian legal experts as baseless.

Zelenskyy added that there is a real opportunity to achieve peace, but Putin is actively working against it.

“In 2014, Russia started a hybrid war against Ukraine, which it turned into a full-scale invasion in 2022. Now, there is a chance to achieve a real peace, but it is Putin who is doing everything in his power to either continue large-scale killings or secure a pause in order to continue hybrid attacks while preparing for a new full-scale invasion,” Zelenskyy said.

He also urged global leaders to learn from past mistakes and take stronger action against the Kremlin.

“Putin has significant capabilities to disrupt global stability, but he is too faint-hearted to withstand real pressure from strong leaders,” Zelenskyy added. “That is why we must act decisively and in unity—all those who have the courage to believe in peace and bring it closer through strength. True peace is possible if Russia is forced into it.”

Earlier, Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, called Zelenskyy “an enemy of Slovakia.”

The Ukrainian President responded to Fico by saying that Slovak PM is relying on Russia too much and added that, “American LNG is paid for with money, but Russian gas comes at the cost of not only money but also independence and sovereignty.”

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