Ukrainian President warned that without increased pressure from Kyiv’s Western allies, Russia would make no genuine effort to halt the conflict
The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated his call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia, emphasizing that peace could be achieved “at any moment” if global pressure on the Kremlin intensified.
Speaking at a joint press conference in Prague alongside the President of Czech Republic – Petr Pavel, Zelenskyy warned that without increased diplomatic and economic pressure from Kyiv’s Western allies, the President of Russia – Vladimir Putin would make no genuine effort to halt the conflict.
Zelenskyy told the media, “We believe that without increased pressure, Russia will not take real, practical steps to end the war. Today marks the 54th day that Russia has ignored even the American proposal to completely cease fire.”
He further said, “We believe that a ceasefire is possible at any moment, even starting today, and should last at least 30 days to give diplomacy a real chance.”
Putin recently announced a 3-day ceasefire over from 8th May -10th May’25 to mark the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Soviet Union and its allies over Nazi Germany in World War II. Zelenskyy said such a measure is pointless and has called instead for an unconditional ceasefire for at least 30 days in line with a U.S. proposal. Zelenskyy also said that instead of putting tanks on display at a 9th May’25 Victory Parade, Putin should focus on how to actually end the war. Besides, he called upon Europe to increase cooperation in defence.
He also said, “Three things are needed. More sanctions against Russia, continued support for Ukraine, and a significant increase in defence cooperation across Europe. Russia must know that Europeans will defend themselves.”
The Czech Republic has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters since the Russian invasion began in February 2022. Prague has spearheaded a multinational effort to procure and deliver large-calibre ammunition to the Ukrainian military, leveraging its diplomatic and industrial networks. According to Pavel, Ukraine received 1.6 million rounds of large-calibre ammunition in 2024, with a further 1.8 million shells expected next year.
Taking it to X, Pavel tweeted,
We support Ukraine's path to lasting peace. Through its constructive approach, it has clearly shown that it is ready for it. However, any peace agreement must be an agreement in which international law is not called into question and which can be trusted. The Czech Republic will… pic.twitter.com/JOyDB0sp89
— Petr Pavel (@prezidentpavel) May 4, 2025
Zelenskiy, who is in Prague with First Lady of Ukraine – Olena Zelenska, is scheduled to meet the Prime Minister of Czech Republic – Petr Fiala and talk about the continuation of the ammunition initiative, expanded pilot training programs, and support for Ukraine’s F-16 fighter jet fleet.
