Ukrainian President Zelensky Claims Putin Has No Regard for Diplomatic Efforts as Russia Escalates Military Attacks Across Ukraine

In a passionate address on March 30, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on the international community to ramp up pressure on Russia, demanding stricter sanctions and the urgent delivery of advanced air defense systems to bolster Ukraine’s beleaguered forces. The plea comes as Russian military operations intensify, with devastating strikes pounding Ukrainian cities and infrastructure on a near-daily basis.

Zelensky emphasized that only a concerted global effort can dismantle Russia’s "capacity to wage war and sustain the system that wants nothing but war." He pointed to the relentless nature of Moscow’s campaign, accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of showing utter disregard for diplomatic solutions. "The geography and brutality of Russian strikes—not just occasionally, but literally every day and night—show that Putin couldn’t care less about diplomacy," Zelensky declared.

The Ukrainian leader highlighted a U.S.-backed proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, which has been on the table for weeks. However, he noted that Russia’s response has been a barrage of violence rather than dialogue. "Almost every day, in response to this proposal, there are Russian drones, bombs, artillery shelling, and ballistic strikes," he said, underscoring the Kremlin’s apparent rejection of peace talks.

The latest wave of attacks has left a grim toll on civilians. Late on March 29, a Russian drone strike on the northeastern city of Kharkiv claimed the lives of two people and wounded at least 55 others, including five children aged between 5 and 17, according to Zelensky. The General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces reported that a military hospital in the city was among the targets deliberately hit overnight, a move that has drawn widespread condemnation.

The Ukrainian Air Force provided further details of the onslaught, stating that Russia unleashed a ballistic missile and a staggering 111 drones across the country in a single night. The barrage marks one of the most significant aerial assaults in recent weeks, further straining Ukraine’s already stretched defenses.

In his address, Zelensky called on the United States, Europe, and other allies committed to "peace and lasting security" to deploy every available tool to force Russia into a ceasefire. Ukraine has already signaled its willingness to comply with a U.S.-proposed 30-day truce, with Kyiv announcing on March 11 that it was prepared to honor the terms if Russia reciprocated. Moscow, however, has so far rebuffed the initiative, opting instead to escalate its military campaign.

As the conflict grinds on, Zelensky’s latest appeal underscores the growing urgency of the situation, with Ukraine pleading for the resources and support needed to withstand Russia’s unyielding aggression. With no sign of de-escalation from the Kremlin, the international community faces mounting pressure to respond decisively to the crisis unfolding in Eastern Europe.