Zelenskyy Accuses Russia of Using Diplomacy as a Delay Tactic, Calls for Tougher Sanctions and Realistic Peace Talks

May 20, 2025: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of manipulating diplomatic efforts to buy time and prolong its war in Ukraine. In a statement shared on social media platform X, Zelenskyy stressed the need for well-coordinated diplomacy focused on achieving tangible peace outcomes, while warning against Russia’s “unrealistic” demands.

“It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time in order to continue its war and occupation,” Zelenskyy wrote after speaking with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. “We are working with our partners to ensure that pressure forces Russians to change their behaviour. Sanctions matter, and I am grateful to everyone who is making them more biting for those responsible for this war.”

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Zelenskyy emphasized that while Ukraine remains open to peace negotiations, the process must be rooted in clear and realistic proposals. “There is no doubt that the war must end at the negotiating table. Ukraine is ready for any negotiation format that delivers results. And if Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences.”

His remarks come after a series of high-level discussions with global leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump and European counterparts, about a possible ceasefire. Despite those efforts, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism regarding Moscow’s sincerity in reaching a lasting peace agreement.

“I don’t know the principles from the Russian side,” Zelenskyy said, referencing his recent talks with Trump. “As I understood, the Russian side wants to send us a memo on how they see the principles—not only a ceasefire; they want more than that.”

On the other side, Russian President Vladimir Putin said a phone conversation with Trump lasted over two hours and was “productive and candid.” Putin claimed Russia supports a peaceful settlement of the Ukraine conflict and thanked the U.S. for facilitating the resumption of direct talks.

“This conversation has effectively taken place and lasted more than two hours. I would like to emphasise that it was both substantive and quite candid. Overall, I believe it was a very productive exchange,” Putin stated.

He also accused Ukraine of halting previous peace efforts, saying, “Talks were thwarted by the Ukrainian side in 2022.”

Earlier the same day, Trump said he was doing his best to work with Putin to end the ongoing conflict, further indicating international pressure to push both sides toward a ceasefire agreement.

Despite global diplomatic activity, Zelenskyy maintained that without genuine commitment and accountability, negotiations risk becoming a smokescreen for continued aggression.