Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Friday that if Russia rejects a diplomatic path to ending the war, Ukraine must receive increased military, financial, and sanctions-based support from its partners.
A potential diplomatic track remains under discussion between Ukraine’s partners and Russia, with the United States and Europe weighing next steps. Zelenskyy framed the current moment as a test of Moscow’s willingness to end the war.
“Diplomacy requires strength and consequences”
Speaking to journalists, Zelenskyy said diplomacy can only work if Ukraine is negotiating from a position of strength and if Russia faces clear consequences for refusing peace efforts.
Zelenskyy said there are no firm signals yet from Washington on additional sanctions or weapons deliveries, as Russia has not formally rejected diplomacy.
“If one side refuses diplomacy, the other must be strengthened”
“If one side of the war refuses the diplomatic path, then the other side must be strengthened,” Zelenskyy said, adding that this includes weapons, sanctions, and funding from both the United States and Europe.
He stressed that negotiations depend on Russia understanding that Ukraine will not collapse due to a lack of resources. Zelenskyy pointed to long-term financial mechanisms, including discussions around a reparations loan, as a signal that Ukraine will remain funded in the coming years.
“Sanctions must cut Russia's ability to finance war”
The president also called for tighter pressure on Russia’s energy sector, saying sanctions must directly reduce Moscow’s ability to finance the war.
According to Zelenskyy, stable funding for Ukraine combined with declining resources for Russia would increase the likelihood that Moscow agrees to genuine negotiations.
