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“Russia Shows the World Its Middle Finger”: Zelenskyy Reacts to Kremlin’s Threats of New “Responses”
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![Photo of Liubava Petriv]( "Photo of Liubava Petriv")
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, responding to reports of recent conversations between US President Donald Trump and Russian leader Vladimir Putin, cautioned that Russia continues to act without fear of consequences—and that hesitation from the international community may be encouraging further escalation.
In a statement released on June 4th, the Day of Remembrance for Ukrainian children killed as a result of Russia’s war, Zelenskyy emphasized that diplomacy alone has not succeeded in halting the violence.
“Many have spoken with Russia at various levels. Yet none of these talks have led to lasting peace — not even a pause in the war,” Zelenskyy said.
“Unfortunately, Putin senses impunity, and even after all the horrific strikes, he appears to be preparing new so-called ‘responses,’” he noted. “With every new strike on Ukraine, and with every new delay in diplomacy, Russia is showing the world its middle finger.”
Zelenskyy underlined the importance of a firm international stance, warning that weak reactions to threats only send the wrong message.
“When Putin doesn’t feel pressure—when he sees only hesitation—he interprets it as permission,” he said. “More violence, more strikes, more suffering. That’s what follows.”
Since the start of 2025, Russia has launched nearly 27,700 aerial bombs, over 11,000 Shahed drones, close to 9,000 other attack UAVs, and more than 700 missiles—including ballistic ones—across Ukrainian territory, according to official data.
Zelenskyy reiterated that it is Russia that must be actively seeking peace—and that global partners must raise the cost of war for the Kremlin.
“Russia must return peace. In Moscow, they should feel that this war carries a high cost—the highest for the aggressor,” he pointed. “If the strong of this world fail to stop Putin, it means they share responsibility. And if they want to stop him but cannot, Putin will no longer see them as strong.”
The President also expressed gratitude to those around the world who continue to support Ukraine’s efforts to end the war and hold Russia accountable.
“We in Ukraine are grateful to everyone in the world who tries to stop this war and Russian strikes. To those who tell the killer that he will be held accountable. To those who say that Russian missiles and bombs must stop taking human lives,” Zelenskyy stated.
Previoulsy, it was reported that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the so-called peace memorandum proposed by Russia is nothing more than a political ultimatum and will not be taken seriously by either Ukraine or its international partners.
