After Russian missiles pounded Ukraine in a massive overnight attack, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday stated that Moscow believed Kyiv was in no rush to end the conflict through peaceful means. He warned that if diplomacy failed, Russia would achieve all objectives of its so-called "special military operation" by force.
This comes after the attack, in which Russia launched around 500 drones and 40 missiles at Kyiv and surrounding areas overnight, resulting in at least one death and 27 injuries. Putin's remarks were reported by Russian state news agency TASS and came amid intensified Russian military action against Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the prolonged 10-hour assault unmistakably showed Moscow's unwillingness to end the war it started in February 2022, a conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives.
Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss potential solutions for ending the nearly four-year conflict. The discussions are anticipated to cover security assurances and territorial disagreements, especially in Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia.
Zelenskyy reached Canada on Saturday for discussions with Trump, shortly after Russia bombarded Kyiv with drones and missiles. Following the attack, Russia reported further advances along the frontlines. Zelenskyy stated that the renewed offensive highlighted Russia’s reluctance to pursue peace, calling the attacks "Russia’s response to our peace initiatives." He reaffirmed Ukraine’s commitment to diplomacy but emphasized that Moscow’s actions showed its intent to prolong the conflict.
Previously, the Kremlin announced that Putin had visited a Russian military command center, where he was briefed by Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov and commanders in charge of the 'Centre' and 'East' groups of Russian forces. Subsequently, Russian authorities reported new territorial advances, stating that their forces had seized towns in Ukraine's Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.