Zelensky: Ukraine has submitted proposals to the US on ending the war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kyiv has submitted its proposals aimed at ending the war with Russia to the American side, and called on Washington to increase pressure on Moscow.

“There was a report from the negotiating team. We submitted our proposals to the American side. And America can help our defense, primarily on air defense matters, and also apply pressure on Russia so that the plans are different: to prepare for ending the war, not prolonging it,” — Zelensky said in his evening video address.

Zelensky also said that Russia is preparing for a new mobilization in the autumn — after holding parliamentary elections. According to him, this is indicated by “internal Russian documents” reported by the head of Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate, Oleh Ivashchenko.

“They are preparing it for the autumn, right after the imitation of parliamentary elections,” — the president said.

According to Zelensky, after the elections the Russian leadership plans to “additionally mobilize several hundred thousand people by the end of the year and the same number again in the following year.” This, he said, will occur in addition to the recruitment of contract servicemembers. Zelensky stressed that “right now Putin believes that additional mobilization and the involvement of servicemembers from North Korea will allow him to drag out this war and increase Russian assault activity.”

“We are preparing our own active operations and will make it as difficult as possible for Russia to implement such plans. I have assigned corresponding tasks to our intelligence agencies and special services of Ukraine,” — the president stated.

Zelensky also reported on missile strikes against Ukraine, noting Russia’s “new use” of North Korean-made missiles. According to him, ballistic missiles were used against Kyiv, while strikes on Zaporizhzhia were carried out from the territory of several Russian regions. The president reported fatalities and dozens of wounded. Throughout the day, Russia also continued to use various types of drones against frontline cities and villages from Sumy to Kherson region.

Zelensky reported on Ukrainian strikes against Russian oil industry facilities, logistics, and military infrastructure, noting that the relevant reports were presented to him by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Security Service of Ukraine.

“When we respond to such Russian strikes — responding against their facilities — this must be interpreted exclusively as a completely justified reaction to the Russian war, to the constant terror against Ukraine and our people,” — Zelensky said.

The president stated that Ukraine has no interest in the continuation of the war, and called on partners to help create conditions for its end.