Zelenskyy warns of possible escalation from Putin
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attends a military parade marking Bastille Day on the Champs-Élysées in Paris, France, on July 14, 2026 (Photo: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier)
If Russian President Vladimir Putin fails to achieve his objectives in the war against Ukraine, he may pursue further escalation, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with French television channel BFMTV on July 13.
According to the Ukrainian leader, if Putin fails to win, "he will become very dangerous, and not just for us."
"He will try to occupy somewhere else, other people, and kill again — kill people," Zelenskyy said.
He added that Putin may attempt to draw more countries into the war.
Discussing a potential ceasefire, Zelenskyy said it is "possible," but very difficult to achieve.
"We need to end this war. And there is one side — Russia — that doesn't want to. They only demonstrate this in words," the president said, adding that a ceasefire means concrete steps, not just statements.
Zelenskyy also said Putin is "a liar" when it comes to any potential ceasefire, "because he needs a victory."
On July 13, Zelenskyy said Ukraine's position on the front line in 2026 is stronger than in any previous year of the war.
He also said ballistic missiles represent Putin's last remaining tool for dragging out Russia's war against Ukraine.
On July 14, Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi said Russian forces are losing more than 400 soldiers in Donetsk Oblast for every single square kilometer of territory they capture.
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