Ukraine war: Zelensky warns against concessions to Russia

Ukrainian leader calls for total sanctions on Moscow ahead of Geneva talks as fighting and civilian casualties rise

Zelensky warns against repeating past mistakes – The Ukraine war remains at the center of international tensions as Volodymyr Zelensky said it is a “serious mistake” to allow an aggressor to gain anything, referring to actions dating back to 2014. In a post on X, the Ukrainian president said many strategic errors had been made and warned that Vladimir Putin cannot be stopped “with kisses or flowers.”

Speaking as the conflict involving Ukraine and Russia approaches the fourth year since the large-scale invasion, Zelensky said he does not want to repeat mistakes made by past leaders who allowed aggressive states to advance into foreign territory.

He warned that if pressure on Moscow weakens, Russia could rebuild its army within five years. According to Zelensky, Russia is currently losing between 30,000 and 35,000 personnel per month.

Call for total sanctions and nuclear sector measures

Zelensky called for “total sanctions” against Russia, including its nuclear sector. He thanked Donald Trump for imposing sanctions on Lukoil and Rosneft and said broader energy sanctions could send a strong message to European governments.

He also criticized the lack of sanctions against Rosatom, arguing that individuals linked to the company live and operate in Europe and the United States while ignoring democratic rules and international law.

US diplomacy claims and Hungarian support

From Budapest, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the United States appears to be the only country able to bring Ukrainian and Russian representatives to negotiations, adding that the United Nations and European countries have not achieved the same result.

Rubio said Washington is not trying to impose an agreement but wants to help end what he described as an extremely destructive conflict.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said the war would not have started if Trump had been president earlier and reaffirmed support for US peace efforts, adding Hungary is ready to host peace talks if needed.

Geneva talks and battlefield developments

Negotiations between Ukraine, Russia and the United States are expected to begin in Ginevra. According to Tass, an energy ceasefire is expected to be discussed during trilateral talks.

On the battlefield, Russian authorities claim control of Pokrovka in the Sumy region and Minkivka in Donetsk, according to Russian media reports.

Civilian casualties rise in 2025

Civilian casualties linked to the Ukraine war increased by 26% in 2025, reflecting intensified Russian attacks on cities and infrastructure. According to The Guardian citing Action on Armed Violence, 2,248 civilians were killed and 12,493 injured in Ukraine during the year, with incidents and casualties rising significantly.

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