In a speech delivered in Spain, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky called on Western leaders to exert "all means" necessary to pressure Russia into seeking peace in Ukraine. President Zelensky emphasized the need for "tangible coercion of Russia," accusing Moscow of attempting to "destroy Ukraine and move on."

President Zelensky has consistently maintained that he will not engage in direct negotiations with Russia until its forces fully withdraw from Ukrainian territory, including Crimea. However, his plea comes at a time when Russia is making significant gains against Ukraine, causing Kyiv to face a shortage of Western-supplied weaponry.

During his address, President Zelensky disclosed alarming figures, stating that Russia was dropping approximately 3,200 guided aerial bombs on Ukraine every month. These consistent attacks have raised concerns on how Ukraine can effectively combat such aggression.

Rejecting the idea of inviting Russia to a planned peace summit in Switzerland next month, President Zelensky emphasized that the summit's primary focus would be on restoring all invaded territories, demanding reparation payments for war-related damages, and the establishment of a special tribunal to prosecute Russian war crimes. These demands have been staunchly rejected by Moscow.

While Russia publicly claims readiness for peace talks, it insists on maintaining control over the seized territories in Ukraine. President Zelensky urged Western leaders to lift bans on donated weapons being used to strike Russian territory and called on their support to defend Ukraine against Russia's aggression.

Recent developments indicate that Russia's summer offensive is intensifying, with the country claiming the capture of two more villages in eastern Ukraine. The gains made by Russian forces mark the most significant advancement in over 18 months, during which they were primarily engaged in intense fighting in the Donbas region.

Expressing alarm over the latest advancements, President Zelensky warned that these gains could signify the start of a broader offensive. He revealed that Russia was amassing additional troops near the Ukrainian border, specifically near Kharkiv city.

It is worth noting that the conflict escalated when Russian President Vladimir Putin launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022. As tensions continue to rise, the international community closely monitors the situation, with concerns mounting over the increasing deadly strikes from Russia.

President Zelensky's call for Western leaders to apply pressure on Russia underscores the urgency to find a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The international response and strategies implemented in the coming days could significantly impact the trajectory of the situation and the security of the region.