Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia's capacity to continue its war against Ukraine will be determined not by President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric but by the level of Western pressure, particularly through effective sanctions.

According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy, speaking to journalists before his trip to Brussels, dismissed Putin's recent statements about maintaining control over Russian-controlled Ukrainian territories as familiar messaging rather than a sign of strength. Zelenskyy emphasized that Putin's signals are not novel and reiterated his belief that Putin does not wish to end the war. The critical question, he noted, is whether Putin can sustain it, which depends on the pressure from Western partners, focusing on sanctions and diplomatic measures.

Zelenskyy expressed doubt about the Russian economy's ability to sustain the war at its current scale if sanctions are properly enforced. He also confirmed that the United States is conveying its readiness to end the war to Moscow through various channels and that Ukraine supports this diplomatic momentum despite notable challenges.

The Ukrainian leader mentioned disagreements over certain future agreements, including issues related to territorial disputes, financing, and frozen assets, which remain unresolved. He warned that if Putin impedes what he described as the most active diplomatic process in recent times, the United States would need to intensify its pressure on Russia.

The day before, Putin stated that Russia favors a diplomatic settlement but would continue military operations if Ukraine and its partners refuse to negotiate substantively. He also asserted that hostilities would cease only if Ukrainian forces withdraw from areas of Donbas currently under Kyiv's control.