Zelensky Calls for Global Unity Against Russian Aggression to Secure Peace

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Thursday for increased pressure on Russia to bring an end to the ongoing three-year conflict, as his senior advisors met in Paris with U.S. and European officials to discuss the situation.

Reports indicated that at least 12 individuals lost their lives and many more were injured on Thursday as Russia intensified its drone and shell assaults on Ukraine.

«Russia is using every moment, both day and night, to carry out killings. We need to apply pressure on those responsible for these acts… to conclude this war and ensure lasting peace,» Zelensky stated in a post on Telegram.

Zelensky’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, announced his arrival in Paris alongside Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha and Defense Minister Rustem Umerov for discussions with officials from the U.S., U.K., Germany, and France, without specifying the individuals involved.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Keith Kellogg, who served as President Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine, are set to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday to explore potential ceasefire options for Ukraine.

This meeting follows a series of deadly Russian airstrikes on Ukrainian cities, which have sparked outrage in both Kyiv and Europe.

According to Zelensky’s office, the delegation in Paris will talk about «securing peace for Ukraine.»

«Key topics will include strategies for establishing a full and unconditional ceasefire, the possibility of deploying a multinational military group to ensure security, and the future of Ukraine’s security framework,» stated the presidency of Ukraine.

The Kremlin dismissed the discussions, alleging that Ukraine’s partners were intent on prolonging the conflict.

«Regrettably, we observe that European leaders are focused on perpetuating the war,» Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters when questioned about the anticipated outcomes of the talks.

Meanwhile, Russia conducted a «massive» drone strike overnight on the city of Dnipro, leading to three fatalities and over 30 injuries, according to local Governor Serhiy Lysak.

Following the attack, fires erupted in residential buildings in the city.

Additionally, two individuals died from artillery fire in Nikopol, located south of Dnipro, as local authorities reported further casualties in frontline areas of Donetsk and Kherson regions.

In Kherson, police reported that an ambulance was targeted by a drone while it was transporting a patient, resulting in injuries to the driver.

Furthermore, Russia’s military announced the capture of a small village in the eastern Donetsk area, where their forces have been advancing for several months.