Zelenskyy to Russia: ‘Stop Attacks If You Want Peace Talks’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy tells Russia to halt airstrikes if it truly seeks peace negotiations, following renewed attacks on Ukraine.

Ukraine’s President Zelensky advised Russia, “If you want discussions, refrain from targeting people with ballistic missiles,” following another series of aerial attacks.

In the past week, according to Zelensky, Ukraine has been targeted with “over 1,050 attack drones, nearly 1,300 bombs and more than 20 missiles,” including strikes in Kharkiv overnight.

He spoke following a demanding week of diplomatic efforts in the US and Europe, which featured a heated discussion with Donald Trump and JD Vance in the Oval Office on Friday.

For the first time, Russia has responded to the exchange by accusing Zelensky of “a complete absence of diplomatic skill.” Additionally, it stated that “the fragmentation of the West has commenced.”

In the meantime, French President Emmanuel Macron has proposed a limited one-month truce in Ukraine. Our correspondent James Landale explores this concept further here.

Ukraine has confirmed that Russia previously launched a successful attack on a training ground in the Dnipropetrovsk region, leading to numerous casualties.

“The tragic incident at the training ground is a terrible consequence of an enemy strike,” states Mykhaylo Drapaty, head of the Ukrainian Ground Forces, in a statement on Facebook.

He did not provide specific numbers on Ukrainian troop casualties; however, prominent Ukrainian journalist Yuri Butusov had previously estimated that over 30 soldiers were killed and around a hundred were injured.

In response to media criticism regarding the concentration of a large number of troops in one location simultaneously, Gen Drapaty stated:

Everyone involved in the decision-making on that day, whether they approved or delayed their approval, will be held accountable. I intend to demand the most severe punishments possible.

In a separate external statement, Ukraine’s Ground Forces announced that an investigation has been initiated into the attack that occurred on March 1.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot has expressed concern that Ukraine’s “front line is drawing nearer” to the European Union, heightening the risk of the conflict spreading.

In an interview with France Inter radio, he mentioned that the likelihood of war in Europe is at an unprecedented level, as the threat has been approaching for nearly 15 years.

Barrot mentions that the summit in London on Sunday served as a “wake-up call for a significant group of Europeans who had previously chosen to ignore reality.” According to him, these individuals are now persuaded that it is essential for the continent to take charge of its own defense and security.

He indicates that in the near future, it is “possible” for discussions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former US President Donald Trump to restart. He notes there is a “shared awareness” of interests among Ukraine, the United States, and Europe aiming to curb “imperialist ambitions.”

Europe has been responding to reports of a proposed one-month truce plan put forward by French President Emmanuel Macron.

Lia Quartapelle, the vice-chairwoman of Italy’s parliamentary Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, told BBC’s Newsday that every capable country should contribute to any peacekeeping mission in Ukraine, including deploying troops.

She states that the summit in London on Sunday is “crucial” for finding a solution, and suggests that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni—who has a strong relationship with the US—should assist the UK and France in ensuring continued support from America.

In the meantime, Michael Gahler, a German member of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, expressed confidence that Germany will undoubtedly join the “coalition of the willing” once plans are finalized.

And suggests that although US support is “vital,” Europe can also offer substantial assistance “without American troops on the ground.”