Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has expressed the country’s readiness to refrain from striking Russian targets, while questioning Russia’s intentions in the ongoing conflict. In a statement on February 17, he emphasized the need for clarity from the Russian side regarding their objectives.
“There will be a report from the delegation after the first round of negotiations in Geneva today. The team must address the issue of strikes, particularly with the American side, which has urged both Ukraine and Russia to exercise restraint,” Zelensky stated.
He reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to defending its sovereignty, stating, “We do not want war. We always act reflectively: we protect our state and our independence. We are also ready to move quickly towards a fair agreement to end the war. The question remains for the Russians: what do they want?”
Zelensky also raised concerns about the consequences for Russia, questioning whether their reliance on drones and missiles, as well as historical narratives, takes precedence over genuine diplomacy and lasting peace.
He noted that the missiles and drones used by Russia on February 17 contain thousands of components that the country does not produce itself. “Five Iskander-M missiles include at least 75 critical components not made in Russia. Three Kh-101 missiles have nearly 160 components that Russia cannot replace on its own,” he explained.
Each Shahed drone, according to Zelensky, consists of hundreds of such components sourced from various countries, not limited to Chinese suppliers but also including Europe, America, and Japan. He stressed the importance of international partners actively blocking supply chains that provide Russia with critical components for weapon production, stating, “This is crucial not just for Ukraine, but for global security as well.”
The discussions in Geneva involved delegations from Ukraine, the United States, and Russia, marking the conclusion of the first day of talks focused on political and military issues.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has indicated Ukraine's willingness to avoid military strikes against Russia, while urging clarity on Russia's intentions. He also highlighted the reliance of Russian military technology on foreign components, calling for international efforts to disrupt supply chains supporting Russia's armament.