Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a powerful appeal to the international community, demanding stronger action against what he describes as "wicked" Russian attacks. This urgent call comes just days before world leaders gather in Switzerland for a critical peace summit aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Urgent Plea for International Support
In his nightly video address on Friday, President Zelenskyy emphasized the immediate need for enhanced global cooperation to counter Russian aggression. The Ukrainian leader stressed that every nation must contribute to strengthening Ukraine's air defense capabilities and ensuring better protection for its citizens and critical infrastructure.
"We must do everything together to strengthen the pressure on Russia and help Ukraine protect itself against such wicked attacks," Zelenskyy declared. His statement comes amid intensified Russian assaults on Ukrainian territory, including recent attacks on the northeastern Kharkiv region that have forced mass evacuations and caused significant civilian casualties.
Critical Peace Summit in Switzerland
The upcoming peace conference in Switzerland, scheduled for June 15-16, represents one of the most significant diplomatic efforts to address the Ukraine conflict. Over 90 countries and organizations have confirmed their participation in what promises to be a crucial gathering aimed at establishing a framework for lasting peace.
However, the summit faces challenges as Russia has not been invited to participate. Moscow has repeatedly dismissed the initiative as meaningless without its involvement, while China has also decided to skip the event. Despite these absences, Ukrainian officials remain optimistic about achieving meaningful progress toward their 10-point peace formula.
Zelenskyy's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, highlighted the importance of the summit during a press briefing in Kyiv. "We are expecting a very powerful, broad representation of countries from the Global South," Yermak stated, emphasizing the global nature of the discussions.
Recent Escalation in Hostilities
The timing of Zelenskyy's appeal coincides with a noticeable escalation in Russian military operations. Ukrainian authorities report that Russian forces have intensified their attacks across multiple fronts, with particular focus on the Kharkiv region where fighting has been especially intense in recent weeks.
Ukrainian air force officials confirmed that Russia launched 13 missiles and 32 attack drones overnight, with Ukrainian air defenses successfully intercepting 12 missiles and all drones. These numbers underscore the relentless nature of the attacks and the critical need for enhanced defensive capabilities.
The human cost of these attacks continues to mount, with civilian infrastructure repeatedly targeted and thousands of residents forced to flee their homes. Local authorities in Kharkiv region reported that more than 11,000 people have been evacuated from border areas since the offensive began in early May.
International Response and Diplomatic Efforts
The international community has been actively engaged in supporting Ukraine while preparing for the peace summit. United States Vice President Kamala Harris and national security adviser Jake Sullivan are scheduled to represent Washington at the Switzerland gathering, demonstrating continued American commitment to resolving the conflict.
European leaders have also reaffirmed their support for Ukraine's peace efforts. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz recently emphasized that the Switzerland conference should create momentum for a future peace process that might eventually include Russian participation under the right conditions.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian diplomats continue their efforts to build consensus around Zelenskyy's peace formula, which includes provisions for nuclear safety, food security, and the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukrainian territory. The success of these diplomatic initiatives could significantly influence the trajectory of the conflict and prospects for a negotiated settlement.
As the world watches developments in Switzerland, the situation on the ground in Ukraine remains precarious. Zelenskyy's urgent appeal serves as a stark reminder that diplomatic efforts must be matched by concrete actions to protect Ukrainian sovereignty and civilian lives against ongoing Russian aggression.
