Zelenskyy Accuses Putin of 'Legalizing Occupation,' Vows to Block Ukraine's Partition; Trump's Peace Plan Criticized

Zelenskyy Condemns Putin's 'Legalized Occupation' Attempts

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Vladimir Putin of attempting to 'legalize the occupation' of Ukrainian territories amid ongoing peace negotiations.

Zelenskyy Vows to Block Ukraine's Partition

In a statement, Zelenskyy slammed what he called "Putin's tactics," asserting that Russia is trying to evade sanctions by offering a ceasefire in exchange for recognition of occupied territories. He stated that Ukraine will not allow another attempt at partitioning the country, referencing the annexation of Crimea. "Everyone can clearly see Putin's tactics. He fears sanctions and is doing everything to bail on them," Zelenskyy said. "He wants to exchange a pause in the war, in the killings, for the legalisation of the occupation of our land."

Trump's Potential Role and Peace Summit Critiqued

Zelenskyy also discussed the potential involvement of former President Trump in peace negotiations, saying Ukraine has supported all proposals put forth by Trump, particularly those related to a ceasefire. However, Zelenskyy criticized the planned Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, stating that any decisions made without Ukraine's involvement would be detrimental to peace.

Recent Attacks and Drone Warfare

In separate incidents, a Russian drone strike in Kherson caused casualties, and another attack in Zaporizhzhia resulted in fatalities. Russia's defense ministry claimed to have intercepted numerous Ukrainian drones targeting Russian territory and the Black Sea.