We will do everything possible to make Putin end war diplomatically, but are prepared to do it by force — Zelensky

Ukraine aims to force Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to end the war through diplomatic means. However, if this approach fails, the Armed Forces are prepared to expel the enemy from Ukrainian territory.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated this during a press conference in Kyiv, as reported by Rubryka and RBC-Ukraine.

Zelensky emphasized that the war's resolution must involve restoring Ukraine's territorial integrity and preventing future Russia's aggression.

"We will do everything possible to make Putin end this war diplomatically, minimizing losses and time. But if we fail, and if our partners waver and do not firmly oppose Putin's aggression, our army will be ready to justly push him out of our country," the president said.

Zelensky also noted that the Ukrainian offensive in the Kursk region of Russia was a "preemptive strike" that prevented the encirclement of part of the Sumy region and the occupation of Sumy.

He described the operation in the Kursk region as "complicated," but said it has already achieved several objectives. These include replenishing the exchange fund and conducting a "preventive strike" to avoid encirclement and occupation.

Additionally, this operation aims to demonstrate to Russian society that "it is more important for Putin to occupy Ukrainian territories than to protect his own population."

"I'm pleased that what I communicated to our partners has been proven in practice. Putin is still focused on holding captured territories and not on properly protecting his own people. He is now bombing his own villages. Bravo," Zelensky remarked.

The president also denied that the attack on the Kursk region was intended as a negotiating tactic.