A major forum featuring Ukraine’s top leaders has commenced in Kyiv and will conclude with a press conference by President Volodymyr Zelensky. The event has captured the attention of both political analysts and the general public. The primary focus of the forum is the ongoing war and the steps Ukraine is taking toward achieving a just peace.
Key Ukrainian officials who spoke at the forum include the Prime Minister, the Head of the President’s Office, the Minister of Defense, the Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, and the Attorney General. Their addresses aimed to outline the current state of the war and discuss potential strategies for ending the conflict with Russia, including through international pressure and strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities.
Attorney General Comments on MP Dmitriuk’s Illegal Border Crossing
Attorney General Andriy Kostin addressed the issue of MP Artem Dmitriuk’s illegal border crossing during his speech. Kostin expressed strong outrage over how Dmitriuk managed to leave the country via Transnistria, calling it “an unacceptable failure.”
“My outrage is stronger than that of the public,” Kostin stated, emphasizing that the use of drones by border guards to track down violators is an example of effective work. However, he added, “Why did this person manage to illegally cross the state border so easily?” Kostin reported that a criminal case was initiated as soon as information about the MP’s departure was received, and that Dmitriuk’s current whereabouts are known. He also noted that Dmitriuk has the option to voluntarily return to Ukraine and meet with investigators by the end of the week, otherwise, he will be put on a wanted list.
Zelensky on Western Hesitancy Regarding Strikes on Russian Territory
President Volodymyr Zelensky commented on Western reluctance to discuss potential strikes on Russian territory, noting that they “try to avoid talking about it.” “I raise this issue, but they try not to discuss it with me,” Zelensky said, comparing the situation to a game of ping-pong, where Western partners shift the responsibility to one another.
Military Achievements: 1,294 Square Kilometers Under Control in Kursk Region
Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi reported on the success of Ukrainian troops in the Kursk direction. According to him, the Ukrainian forces have taken control of 1,294 square kilometers of territory in Kursk, capturing 100 settlements. “We continue to advance, inflicting significant losses on Russian troops in both personnel and equipment,” Syrskyi emphasized. He also mentioned that 594 Russian soldiers have been captured in the Kursk region.
Zelensky on Putin’s Nuclear Threats: “He Loves His Life Too Much”
During the forum, President Zelensky addressed the Kremlin’s frequent nuclear threats. According to Zelensky, Putin would be unlikely to use nuclear weapons because “he loves his life too much and will cling to his position and public support.” Zelensky also stressed that the use of nuclear weapons would likely not be supported by the global community, and any such action would prompt a swift and decisive response.
Zelensky’s Emotional Response on Oleg Tatarov
President Zelensky also gave an emotional response regarding the effectiveness of Oleg Tatarov’s work. He highlighted that the issue of Tatarov had previously been discussed in private meetings with the media, with an agreement to keep it confidential for security reasons.
“Oleg Tatarov, along with Vasyl Malyuk, killed Chechens in Kyiv while you were not here. Is that not enough? Expel him to be killed by the Russians?” Zelensky sharply responded to the journalist’s question.
Link to Further Reading
For more details on Slovakia’s threat to halt diesel fuel supplies to Ukraine, read our article: Slovakia Threatens to Halt Diesel Fuel Supplies to Ukraine: What Does This Mean?.