[“Russia Is Giving the Middle Finger to the World”: Zelenskyy Delivers Incisive Remarks on Putin's Call with Trump]
On the evening of June 4, Zelenskyy once again called for increased pressure on Russia to end the war. Shortly after Russian and American leaders spoke on the phone that night, he posted an article on his personal Telegram channel:
"Many have held discussions with Russia at various levels, but these talks have brought neither lasting peace nor even halted the war. Regrettably, Putin believes he can act with impunity, reportedly still prepared for some form of 'response' even after enduring all the terrible blows. This means that every new attack and every diplomatic delay by Russia is essentially flipping the middle finger to the entire world—and to all those unwilling to increase pressure on Russia."
Zelenskyy added: "Today, on the Ukrainian Children's Memorial Day due to Russia's aggression, we reiterate the facts to the great powers of the world. If the strong do not stop Putin, it implies they share responsibility with him. If they wish to stop him but are powerless—then Putin no longer sees them as strong."
On the evening of June 4, Trump and Putin had a telephone conversation—the fourth since Trump returned to the White House. They discussed the Iran nuclear deal and the Ukraine war. Trump said the "tone was good, but it won't bring immediate peace," adding that Putin warned there would have to be a response to recent Ukrainian attacks on Russian military airbases.
After the call, Trump shared a link to a Washington Post op-ed on Truth Social calling for Congress to impose a 500% tariff on buyers of Russian energy to strengthen Trump's leverage against Putin. Previously, after the May call between Russian and American leaders, media reported that Trump hinted to European politicians he was reluctant to impose new sanctions on Russia.
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/1834049515361292/
Disclaimer: The article solely represents the author's views.