Zelenskyy Urges Strong Response to Russia Ahead of Key Summits

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for a decisive response to Russia, stating that they only understand the 'language of force.' As he prepares for the upcoming G7 and NATO summits, he emphasizes the importance of meaningful discussions and negotiations. Zelenskyy also addressed the recent failure of a prisoner exchange, highlighting ongoing efforts to secure the release of Ukrainian POWs. His remarks reflect a commitment to maintaining pressure on Russia while navigating complex international relations.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 9, 2025, 07:34 IST

Zelenskyy Advocates for a Forceful Approach

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized the necessity of employing a "language of force" in dealings with Russia, asserting that this is the only way they comprehend. In a video message shared on X, he stated, "This is the language that should dominate all forms of international dialogue in the upcoming months."

Anticipation for June Summits

With high hopes for the forthcoming summits in June, Zelenskyy committed to ensuring that the G7 Summit in Canada and the NATO Summit in the Netherlands are meaningful. He remarked, "In the next few weeks, significant meetings and discussions will occur in Ukraine..." The G7 Summit is set to take place in Canada from June 15 to 17, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed on Friday that the newly elected Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has invited him to this month’s G7 Summit.

Challenges in Prisoner Exchange

A planned exchange of war prisoners between Russia and Ukraine on Saturday did not proceed as intended due to disagreements. Russia claimed that Ukraine delayed the exchange, a statement Kyiv denied. In response, Zelenskyy mentioned that Ukraine is striving to secure the release of its POWs and the return of fallen soldiers, noting that Russia has yet to provide complete lists for the exchange of over a thousand individuals, as previously agreed in Istanbul.

Zelenskyy Critiques Russia's Tactics

Further criticizing Russia, Zelenskyy accused them of attempting to manipulate the situation into a sordid political and informational game. He asserted, "We are doing everything possible to keep the exchange process progressing."