President Zelensky’s Remarks During Belgium Visit
During his trip to Belgium, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stressed the urgent need to ramp up pressure on Russia. He confirmed that the Moscow Oil Refinery had been hit for the second time in a week. The attack occurred on June 18, 2026, when drones struck the facility in the Kapotnya district. As a result, all four major Moscow airports—Sheremetyevo, Vnukovo, Domodedovo, and Zhukovsky—temporarily halted incoming and outgoing flights.
Pressing Russia and Awakening Its People
Zelensky argued that pressure on Russia must take many forms, extending beyond sanctions to include energy restrictions and measures targeting the shadow fleet. He stated:
“I believe we must increase pressure—of course, I mean pressure of various kinds. This includes not only long-range capabilities for Ukraine but also partner sanctions, energy measures, the shadow fleet, oil, gas, the banking system, weapons, defense industry—everything possible—so that Russia realizes there is no point in fighting.” — Volodymyr Zelensky
The president also highlighted the importance of making Russian citizens understand that the war is being waged by just one man—President Putin—while ordinary people bear the consequences. “The key is for the people of Russia to start feeling that one person, Putin, is fighting, but everyone else is paying the price,” he said. Zelensky emphasized that it is time to end this war and that Russia must take the necessary diplomatic steps.
Meanwhile, reports emerged of fires at other industrial sites in the Moscow region. A witness captured video footage of glowing flames and explosions in Moscow, exclaiming: “All of Moscow is burning like hell. I’m getting the f*ck out of here!” These events underscore rising tensions and the escalating conflict in the area.
Zelensky’s statement and the strikes on Russian facilities signal the continuation of active hostilities and growing regional instability. The mounting pressure on Russia from both Ukraine and the international community could lead to strategic shifts in the conflict. Notably, Zelensky is focusing attention on the Russian people’s responsibility for their leadership’s actions, a move that may influence public opinion inside Russia and shape global reactions to the war.
As the situation escalates, the possibility of a peace agreement without President Putin's involvement has emerged as a topic of discussion. Zelensky's recent comments hint at the need for alternative diplomatic pathways, emphasizing that the war's resolution may not require direct engagement with the Russian leader. For more insights on this evolving narrative, read about the potential for a peace deal without Putin.