Zelensky: Russia rejects ceasefire to maintain ability to launch strikes from sea

The head of state said this in his evening address to the nation, Ukrinform reports.

He recalled that today's Russian attack included missiles launched from the Black Sea. According to him, Ukraine's partners know exactly which vessels were involved and from which part of the sea the launch occurred.

"This is one of the reasons why Russia is distorting diplomacy, why it is refusing to agree to an unconditional ceasefire -- they want to preserve their ability to strike our cities and ports from the sea," Zelensky said.

He said that a ceasefire at sea was not just about free navigation and the export of food products by, but also about overall security and about bringing peace closer.

Zelensky noted that Russian leader Vladimir Putin does not want to end the war as he wants to preserve the means to escalate it at any moment with even greater force.

"That's exactly why all forms of pressure on Russia must continue: strengthening our ability to defend ourselves, maintaining sanctions, and ensuring that diplomacy -- any conversation with Moscow -- leaves them no opportunity to kill," Zelensky said.

He also added: "If there is a ceasefire, it must be unconditional -- one that does not allow for the destruction of life. Ukraine has agreed to the U.S. proposal, the proposal of a full, unconditional ceasefire. Putin is refusing. We are awaiting a response from the United States -- none has come so far -- and we also expect a response from all in Europe and around the world who truly want peace."

Zelensky stressed that Russian ballistic missile strikes are a daily occurrence, killing civilians and targeting regions including Sumy, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and others. Today, Kyiv was also hit with ballistic missiles.

"Every day brings lives lost. Every day brings lost opportunities for diplomacy. All this cannot be tolerated in silence," he said.

Zelensky also expressed gratitude to Ukraine's partners for their recent decisions in support of the country. He thanked the Netherlands for allocating EUR 500 million for drone production in Ukraine and an additional EUR 2 billion to support broader resilience efforts in 2025. Zelensky thanked Sweden for a military aid package worth $1.6 billion, which includes air defense systems, artillery, communications equipment, and other critical supplies.

He also acknowledged Latvia for supplying drones to the Ukrainian military. Germany was thanked for its important systematic decision to increase this year's support to EUR 7 billion. He also expressed appreciation to Denmark for nearly EUR 1 billion in new assistance, including direct contributions to Ukrainian weapons production.

"Everyone who stands with Ukraine now is protecting lives. Thank you for your support! I thank our warriors, all Ukrainians who care about our state and our people!" Zelensky concluded.