Zelenskyy slams Putin’s dodging tactics as deadline for peace talks approaches

“Two weeks ago in Washington, it was said that by this time, the Russians should be ready for real negotiations — a meeting at the leadership level," he reminded.

"Ukraine is absolutely ready for this. But the only thing Russia is doing is investing in further war. Every signal from them says just that. And now, in his visit to China, [Russian dictator Vladimir] Putin will twist and squirm again. That’s his number one sport.”

Zelenskyy emphasized that global leaders are united in their calls to end the war, while Russia remains the only holdout.

“Everyone around the world has declared that the fire must stop," he added.

"Everyone has insisted that the war must end. That’s been the position of China, India’s Prime Minister, and other leaders now attending the summit in China — Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan. Nearly all others agree the war should end. Today, even Pope Francis made a strong statement — and we thank him for that.”

Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine counts on strong leadership from the U.S., Europe, and G20 nations:

“This war only fuels global instability. Russia must pay for that. And it will.”

U.S. deadline, Trump’s stance, and pressure on Moscow

On Aug. 21, President Donald Trump claimed that his administration would reassess the situation in Ukraine over the following two weeks. If peace was not achieved, “a different approach will be necessary.”

On Aug. 18, Trump also suggested that the future of the war could be clearer within one to two weeks.

According to The Guardian, during an emergency UN Security Council session on Aug. 29, the U.S. warned Russia that it must move toward resolving the war — or face new sanctions.

U.S. envoy John Kelly made a statement that Putin and Zelenskyy must agree to meet face-to-face.