Zelensky says strikes on Russia let Ukraine negotiate as equals, ready to meet Putin directly

Ukraine's intensified strikes deep inside Russia are empowering Kyiv to negotiate an end to the war on equal terms, President Volodymyr Zelensky declared. The comments followed barrages that hit an oil terminal and naval base hundreds of kilometers away.

For months, Ukraine has targeted Russian fossil fuel industry sites, aiming to disrupt Moscow's war funding and pressure the Kremlin for peace talks. "Thank God that today we have security guarantees that allow us to end this war on equal footing with the Russians in any format of diplomacy," Zelensky told reporters in Kyiv.

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I am ready for direct talks with Putin to bring this war to an end, rather than waiting for when all will resolve every conflict in the world before our turn finally comes.

Zelensky indicated that escalating these strikes is only a matter of time. These attacks have forced some Russian refineries to suspend operations and boosted Ukrainian morale. Analysts note that Ukraine's battlefield position appears stronger than in recent years, with Russia's spring offensive showing minimal gains partly due to Ukrainian counterattacks.

The Ukrainian president also reiterated his readiness for direct face-to-face talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Kyiv has long insisted this is the only way to resolve key issues, particularly concerning eastern Donbas. "I am ready for direct talks with Putin to bring this war to an end, rather than waiting for when all will resolve every conflict in the world before our turn finally comes," Zelensky said, seemingly referencing international mediation efforts focused elsewhere.

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Thank God that today we have security guarantees that allow us to end this war on equal footing with the Russians in any format of diplomacy.