Putin wants to ‘wriggle out’ of meeting, Zelenskyy claims, and says Russia does not want to end war – Europe live

Ukrainian president backs Donald Trump suggestion of more offensive reaction to Russian attacks

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia’s Vladimir Putin of “trying to wriggle out of holding a meeting” to discuss peace arrangements, saying: “They don’t want to end this war.”

Zelenskyy pointed to continuing Russian strikes on Ukraine, including on an American company’s facilities in Mukachevo, and a growing number of alleged provocations against Nato countries, including Lithuania and Poland. “[These are] not accidents – Russian impudence,” he said.

“We expect our partners to respond in a principled manner. This war must be brought to an end. Pressure must be exerted on Russia to end the war. Putin understands nothing but force and pressure.”

He was also quick to pick up on US president Donald Trump’s suggestion of more offensive actions.