Zelenskyy: Continued Russian Missile and Drone Attacks Undermine Diplomatic Opportunities
KYIV — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a stern warning regarding the strategic futility of continued Russian aerial bombardments, stating that the persistent use of missiles and “Shahed” drones serves only to weaken Moscow’s geopolitical standing. In a statement released on February 12, the President emphasized that these attacks complicate the conflict further and erode what he described as Russia’s “already limited” diplomatic avenues.
The comments come as Ukraine continues to face sustained aerial assaults targeting civilian infrastructure and residential areas. President Zelenskyy argued that the Russian leadership is operating under a misconception if they believe these terror tactics yield any strategic advantage. Instead, he posited that such aggression merely solidifies international resolve against the aggressor and narrows the window for any potential diplomatic engagement.
“The Russians must not get used to believing that their missiles and ‘Shaheds’ help them in any way,” Zelenskyy stated. “They only complicate everything and undermine the already limited diplomatic opportunities.”
The President’s remarks underscored the direct correlation between the intensity of Russian attacks and the necessity for increased international support for Kyiv. He framed the provision of aid not just as a military necessity, but as a mechanism to apply the “sufficient pressure” required to force a change in Russia’s calculation. This pressure, according to the Ukrainian leadership, is the only viable path to halting the aggression and restoring stability to the region.
This statement coincides with ongoing discussions among Ukraine’s allies regarding the acceleration of defense aid. Specifically, the focus remains on bolstering Ukraine’s air defense capabilities to intercept the very missiles and drones mentioned by the President. High-ranking Ukrainian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, have been tasked with securing faster delivery of these critical aid packages at international forums such as the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meetings.
The reference to “limited diplomatic opportunities” suggests a hardening of the diplomatic landscape. As Russia continues to rely on mass strikes involving Iranian-designed Shahed drones and various missile types, the prospect of negotiations or sanctions relief becomes increasingly remote. Western leaders have repeatedly stated that there can be no return to business as usual while such attacks persist, a sentiment that aligns with Zelenskyy’s assessment that Moscow is actively sabotaging its own diplomatic future.
By highlighting the counterproductive nature of these strikes, Zelenskyy aims to rally continued Western unity. The narrative presented is clear: every missile launched by Russia is a strategic error that justifies and accelerates the mobilization of support for Ukraine. As the conflict progresses, the Ukrainian government remains firm in its position that only through robust defense and unified international pressure can the conditions for a just peace be established.
* unn.ua
