We Want Peace But Putin Doesnt Zelenskyy Calls for Tougher Sanctions as Russia Rejects Ceasefire Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated that Ukraine, US President Donald Trump, and European allies all want the war with Russia to end, but accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of refusing even a temporary ceasefire. Speaking to Fox News host Sean Hannity on Tuesday (local time), Zelenskyy argued that stronger sanctions and sustained international pressure remain essential to push Moscow toward peace.

According to Zelenskyy, Kyiv has consistently sought diplomatic engagement and proposed temporary ceasefires to create space for negotiations. However, he claimed Russia has shown no willingness to accept such proposals. "We want this war to end. President Trump wants it to end, and so do our European partners. Putin does not," Zelenskyy said, adding that Ukraine has repeatedly called for even a short ceasefire to allow diplomats to work toward a peaceful solution. He stressed that firm action, including tougher sanctions, is necessary to influence Russia's stance.

Zelenskyy also paid tribute to the late US Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as one of Ukraine's most dedicated supporters since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion. He said Graham firmly believed that Russia would not succeed in occupying Ukraine and praised his consistent advocacy for Kyiv. The Ukrainian leader noted that Graham had visited Ukraine on ten occasions during the conflict, including trips to areas close to the front lines. Those visits, Zelenskyy said, reflected the senator's commitment and helped strengthen the friendship between them.

Highlighting Ukraine's growing defence capabilities, Zelenskyy said the country has built a robust military technology sector since the war began. He stated that around 500 Ukrainian companies are now producing advanced defence technologies to support troops on the battlefield, demonstrating how Ukraine has adapted despite the challenges of war.

Zelenskyy further claimed that Russian forces are suffering significant battlefield losses, estimating that Moscow is losing around 30,000 soldiers every month. He argued that despite these setbacks, Putin remains unwilling to halt the conflict. According to Zelenskyy, the momentum has shifted in Ukraine's favour, with Russia no longer holding the strategic initiative.

During his visit to Washington, Zelenskyy also welcomed the US Senate's overwhelming 86-12 procedural vote to advance a new Russia sanctions bill, calling it an important step toward achieving peace. He said the vote was particularly symbolic because it coincided with tributes to the late Senator Graham, who had strongly backed the legislation.

The Ukrainian President revealed that he met more than 60 US senators from both political parties to discuss continued American support, particularly strengthening Ukraine's air defence systems. He described the Senate's decision as the beginning of implementing Graham's vision for increasing pressure on Russia.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee Democrats confirmed the strong bipartisan support for advancing the sanctions package, while Senator Jeanne Shaheen also highlighted the significance of the vote. US President Donald Trump also commented positively on his meeting with Zelenskyy, writing on Truth Social that the discussion had gone very well and covered a wide range of important issues.

In addition to his meetings with US lawmakers, Zelenskyy held talks with executives from defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin to explore deeper defence-industrial cooperation. Discussions focused on expanding joint production, sharing advanced technologies, and strengthening Ukraine's air defence capabilities, including cooperation involving Patriot missile systems. Zelenskyy said both sides are already working on practical plans to accelerate co-production projects, which he believes will enhance Ukraine's ability to protect its people and strengthen its long-term defence capabilities.