Zelensky said that he would force Putin to end the war

He said this during his speech at the Annual Conference YES 2025 organised by the Victor Pinchuk Foundation.

Russia avoids responsibility but remains a "guest of honour"

Zelensky emphasised that Russia continues to avoid any responsibility for its crimes. He cited the example of purposeful infiltration of Russian drones into Polish airspace, which went unpunished, as well as massive strikes on Ukraine.

The President recalled the tragedy in the village of Yarovaya in Donetsk region on 9 September, when a Russian aerial bomb killed 25 civilians who had come to receive their pensions.

And what are the consequences for Russia? None. It is those residents of Donbass, whom Russia says it is saving, that it is killing," Zelensky emphasised.

Against the background of these events, the head of state sharply criticised the appearance of the Russian flag at the Venice Film Festival.

Art seems to be out of politics, out of war. But art is for the living, not for the dead in destroyed Ukrainian towns and villages. How can you reward Russia by welcoming it back into the world? - The president was outraged.

What will be able to stop Putin

Zelensky emphasised that only strong and immediate responses to the Kremlin's every move can moderate the aggressor. In his opinion, in addition to economic pressure, reliable defence of Ukraine's allies' airspace plays a key role.

If we and our partners can really reliably defend our skies - from strikes on Poland, Romania - Putin will lose the meaning of his war. Only by storming on land, Russia will not reach its goal, and at sea it has already missed the opportunity to act," Zelensky explained.

He also called on the US to provide Ukraine with air defence systems and combat aircraft, which have been a decisive factor in the war.

This will definitely force Russia to stop the war. Especially since Putin himself by his actions suggests that this should be done," the head of state concluded.

Context

On the night of 10 September, more than 20 Russian drones violated Polish airspace. Aviation was raised to intercept them.

on 9 September, an airstrike on the village of Yarovaya in Donbass killed more than 20 civilians.

Against the background of these events, the EU announced its intention to create a wall against drones to protect against Russian attacks.