Thu Nov 07 18:12:39 UTC 2024: ## Zelensky Rejects Concessions to Putin as Russia Demands Talks and Escalates Attacks
**Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has vehemently rejected calls for concessions to Russia in exchange for an end to the war, accusing some European leaders of pressuring him to compromise. His comments come as Russia continues to launch attacks on Ukrainian civilians, including a deadly strike on a hospital in the city of Zaporizhzhia, and demands that the West engage in direct talks with Moscow.
Addressing European leaders at a summit in Hungary, Zelensky stated, “It’s unacceptable for Ukraine and unacceptable for all Europe” to yield to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s demands. He criticized those who advocate for negotiations that would reward Moscow, arguing that such an approach would only embolden Putin and lead to further aggression.
Zelensky also accused unnamed European leaders of pushing Ukraine to compromise, stating, “We need sufficient weapons, not support in talks. Hugs with Putin won’t help. Some of you have been hugging him for 20 years, and things are only getting worse.”
Meanwhile, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has issued an ultimatum to the West, stating they have a choice between direct talks with Moscow or continued destruction of Ukraine. He claims the situation in the theater of combat is “not in Kyiv’s favor” and blames the West for financing the war.
The escalation of the conflict comes after Russia’s recent military advances in eastern Ukraine, including the capture of the village of Kreminna Balka in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian authorities are now preparing for mandatory evacuations from seven villages in Donetsk, which Russia claims as its own territory.
Russian forces also launched 106 drones overnight, targeting 11 Ukrainian regions, killing two people in the Kherson and Sumy regions. Despite the heavy losses, Zelensky remains steadfast in his refusal to cede any Ukrainian territory to Russia, emphasizing the importance of continued Western support for Ukraine’s fight against the invasion.
First Piper 