Zelensky hints at Crimea: Russia will be forced to choose peace

This was stated by President Volodymyr Zelensky in his evening address, Ukrinform reports.

“Our operation, including the one concerning Crimea, is carefully calculated, and the way the operation is unfolding fully proves: if Ukraine receives exactly what we discussed with our partners within the G7 – and this depends on the partners’ decision – we will promptly create the conditions that will force Russia to choose peace. We very much count on a positive response from our partners – they know exactly what is meant,” he said.

Zelensky explained that Ukraine’s partners clearly understand what is being discussed.

“Right now, our military is taking out targets that sustain Russia’s war effort both in the temporarily occupied territory of Ukraine and on Russia’s own territory – the very things that make this war and Russian aggression possible in the first place,” the President said.

He recalled that Russia has repeatedly occupied foreign lands and that the Russian state consists of many subjugated peoples and stolen territories.

“We are fighting for our land. We are fighting for our people. We are fighting for justice for Ukraine. I believe our people in the temporarily occupied territories understand everything clearly – in the south of our country, in Crimea, in Donetsk and Luhansk regions. We do not allow Russia to use our land as a tool for prolonging the war or turning occupation into something endless,” he stated.

The President stressed that Ukraine never wanted this war.

“From the very first day of the war, we have wanted peace, we have wanted justice for Ukraine, and we have wanted guaranteed security. The Russian leadership knows that a dignified peace is possible. They know that occupation cannot be legitimized. They know that the longer the war continues, the harder it becomes to deal with its consequences,” he said.

Zelensky concluded that Russia must move toward peace, stressing that the necessary tools exist to achieve this.

As reported by Ukrinform, operatives of the SBU Special Operations Center Alpha carried out successful strikes on Russian air defense systems in the area of the Kerch Strait, as well as on infrastructure at the military airfields Saky and Hvardiiske in temporarily occupied Crimea.

Photo: Office of the President of Ukraine