Zelenskyy: Putin Rejects Ceasefire, Demands Stronger Sanctions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted that while Ukraine, the United States, and European allies seek an end to the conflict, Russian President Vladimir Putin is refusing even temporary ceasefires. In an interview with Fox News, Zelenskyy emphasized that continued pressure and sanctions are essential.

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We want to stop this war. President Trump wants to stop this war, and the Europeans want to stop it. Putin doesn't. We are asking every day to negotiate at least a ceasefire for some period of time and give diplomats the opportunity to negotiate. But Putin doesn't want that. That's the problem. That's why we need to respond. We need to be tough. We need to be strong. And we're counting on sanctions. By the way, Lindsey's bill was very important.

"We want to stop this war. President Trump wants to stop this war, and the Europeans want to stop it. Putin doesn't," Zelenskyy told host Sean Hannity. He explained that Ukraine consistently asks for negotiations, at least for a ceasefire, to allow diplomats to work, but alleged that Moscow rejects these overtures. "That's the problem. That's why we need to respond. We need to be tough. We need to be strong. And we're counting on sanctions," he added, referencing a bill by the late Senator Lindsey Graham as particularly important.

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A lot of things have changed because of people like Lindsey. I really wanted to come here to support his family and to thank him on behalf of our nation. Why? Because of Lindsey. He has been one of Ukraine's strongest supporters from the very beginning. He truly believed that Putin could not occupy Ukraine. And he couldn't--that's true.

Zelenskyy praised Senator Graham's consistent support for Ukraine, noting his belief that Putin could not occupy the country. He recalled Graham's ten wartime visits to Ukraine, including areas near the front lines, and expressed gratitude for his friendship and advocacy. The Ukrainian President also highlighted the significant development of Ukraine's domestic defense industry since the war's outset, stating that 500 companies now produce advanced technologies supporting soldiers on the front lines.

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Lindsey came to Ukraine 10 times during the war, visiting different places, including areas very close to the front lines. We've become friends, and I'm very thankful for his support, his trust, and his belief in Ukraine.

Claiming Russia is experiencing substantial troop losses, Zelenskyy stated, "Putin is now losing 30,000 soldiers a month. Those are enormous losses." He asserted that the strategic initiative has shifted away from Putin, marking a significant change in the conflict's momentum. Earlier, Zelenskyy had welcomed a procedural vote in the US Senate advancing a Russia sanctions bill, calling it a "first step toward peace" after meetings with senators and President Donald Trump.

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Since the beginning of the war, when Putin said he would occupy us in two or three days, we have built a great military technology industry. We now have 500 companies with very strong technologies supporting our soldiers on the front lines.