Zelenskyy announced an intensification of strikes against Russia, new agreements with the G7 and signals from Belarus
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has stated that Ukraine will continue to step up its response to Russian attacks, and that the war must be felt on the territory of the aggressor country.
According to him, the anger felt by Ukrainians over the war is a justified emotion, but it must be followed by concrete action.
“The Russians must feel that the war must return to Russia, to the territory of the country that started the aggression,” said Zelenskyy.
The President noted that Ukraine’s defence industry, the Armed Forces and domestic production have already set in motion the process of bringing the war back onto Russian territory. He emphasised that Ukraine will respond to Russian attacks on a daily basis.
The full version of Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s interview with TSN presenter Alla Mazur.
Zelenskyy also reported a strike on an oil refinery in the Tyumen region of the Russian Federation. According to him, the target was hit by two new Fire Point drones from a distance of 2,070 kilometres. The President added that the range of these drones would increase to over 3,000 kilometres.
Separately, the head of state commented on the outcome of the G7 summit. He said that all G7 members were aware of the Ukrainian operation in the Moscow region, had seen its results and supported Ukraine’s actions.
Zelenskyy noted that the G7 had also called for a return to a tougher sanctions policy against Russia.
Following the summit, the President of Ukraine held separate talks with US President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. During the talks, they discussed sanctions policy and the issue of licences for air defence systems.
According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine has all the technical capabilities to begin producing missiles for the Patriot systems, but this requires US licences.
The President stated that Donald Trump plans to ask US defence companies to set up production of missiles for air defence systems under licences in Europe and Ukraine.
Zelenskyy paid particular attention to the talks with European partners during the European Council meeting. He noted that the topic of Ukraine was central this time, and the closed-door discussion lasted around two hours.
In particular, the parties discussed Europe’s role in the dialogue with Russia and possible formats for the negotiation process. The President emphasised that it is Ukraine that will determine who represents Europe in such negotiations.
Zelenskyy also stated that Ukraine had openly discussed with its partners the risks that would arise if Russia could not be brought to the negotiating table.
According to the President, there is a chance that a further five clusters could be opened between mid-July and the end of July, provided there is no political obstruction.
Separately, the head of state commented on relations with Belarus. He stated that, prior to making public statements, Ukraine had taken behind-the-scenes steps to de-escalate the situation at the military and intelligence levels.
According to Zelenskyy, signals have repeatedly been sent to Belarus regarding the cessation of technical support for Russia, particularly concerning relay stations which, he said, help Russian and Iranian drones carry out more precise strikes on Ukraine.
“If he doesn’t take them down, we’ll take everything down,” said the president.
Zelenskyy also called for an end to fuel supplies to the Russian army.
Towards the end of the interview, the president commented on Ukrainian-Polish relations. He emphasised that Ukraine and Poland remain partners and neighbours, and that political manoeuvring based on hatred could have dangerous consequences.
The president emphasised that the Ukrainian military is currently defending not only Ukraine, but also Poland and the whole of Europe.
“Without Ukraine, no one will be able to defend Poland. If Ukraine is gone, there will be no more protected Poland either,” Zelenskyy said.
