Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has squarely placed the blame for the prolonged war on Russia, warning of a concrete and forceful response from Kyiv and its allies. In a statement made on Saturday, January 10, via social media platform X, Zelensky accused Moscow of systematic efforts to undermine Ukraine's international partnerships and diplomatic efforts.
Russia Solely Responsible for War's Continuation
President Zelensky asserted that Russia is the singular source and reason the conflict continues. He stated that Moscow's actions extend beyond the battlefield, targeting global cooperation and diplomatic channels. "Only Russia is the source of this war, the reason the war is being dragged out," Zelensky wrote. He emphasized that Russia deserves all retaliatory pressure for its campaign against life, people, and international diplomacy.
The Ukrainian leader detailed that Russia persists in resisting peaceful diplomatic solutions while simultaneously escalating military and political pressure. Kyiv is closely monitoring these activities, including covert operations aimed at sabotaging its crucial alliances.
Ukraine Tracks Russian Covert Influence Campaigns
Zelensky revealed that Ukrainian authorities are actively documenting every Russian attempt to weaken ties between Kyiv and its partners. This vigilance includes tracking lobbying efforts and secret operations within Europe. "We carefully monitor and document every attempt by the Russians to undermine our relations with partners," he said. "We see which lobbyists Moscow is engaging, through whom it is trying to act, which internal operations it is attempting to launch in Ukraine and in Europe."
Kyiv Promises a 'Tangible' Multi-Pronged Response
In response to these influence campaigns and the ongoing war, President Zelensky promised a significant and measurable reaction. He outlined that this response would involve Ukrainian intelligence and special services, enhanced political coordination with allies, and an expansion of sanctions. "Our response will be tangible – through our special services, through our intelligence agencies, through political cooperation with our partners, and, in particular, through sanctions," Zelensky declared.
He specifically welcomed renewed momentum in the United States Congress towards imposing stricter sanctions, particularly those targeting Russia's vital oil sector. Zelensky described this potential move as decisive and expressed gratitude to those supporting it. "What is important is that the U.S. Congress is back in motion on tougher sanctions against Russia – targeting Russian oil," he noted. "This can truly work. I thank everyone who is helping."
These statements come at a critical time as Ukraine continues to urge its Western allies for sustained military, financial, and political backing. The goal remains to counter Russian aggression on the ground and to further isolate Moscow on the global diplomatic stage.
