Vitaly Saenko21:12, 02.06.25

According to the president, today in Istanbul “impudent people behaved a little more modestly.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Russia’s anger over the Ukrainian special operation to destroy Russian combat aircraft is of no interest to anyone. As reported by a UNIAN correspondent, the head of state told journalists this during a conversation on ZOOM.

In particular, the president was asked whether Ukraine’s Operation Spider’s Web had changed the dynamics of the war and created better negotiating positions for Ukraine.

As Zelensky noted, this operation “definitely reduces Russian potential” and “definitely shows the “Russians” that Ukraine is working on appropriate steps, and if they do not stop, we will continue to work.”

“The operation also restores faith in Ukraine and has restored faith in Ukraine among partners,” the president noted.

He also said that the Russians were angry with Ukraine because of this operation. The head of state recalled that a day before this operation, Russia carried out a massive air attack on Ukraine. The occupiers hit civilian infrastructure and residential buildings, which led to deaths and injuries among the population.

“This happens every day. Sometimes there are small pauses, and I will tell you frankly, we already call nights “pauses” when there are no murders, but there are still drones. And there are injuries. That is, this is a pause compared to massive strikes. But, all the same, we are talking about dozens of drones and cruise missiles. Therefore, Russia’s anger does not interest anyone. Russia must move towards ending the war. We must all try to at least stop them,” Zelensky emphasized.

He recalled that Ukraine expects strong steps from the administration of US President Donald Trump – maintaining sanctions, and for it to force Russian dictator Vladimir Putin to stop the war. At least to go to the first stage of stopping this war – to cease fire.

“And I believe that with the position of the United States of America, we will be able to achieve this faster,” Zelensky said.

Separately, the president was asked whether Operation Spider’s Web had really influenced the behavior of the Russian delegation at the meeting in Istanbul, and whether they had become less of a threat to Ukraine.

“As far as I know, on the contrary, the Russian side spoke about threats to their lives from Ukraine. I am, frankly speaking, surprised. I am sure that our people behaved absolutely correctly,” Zelensky said.

At the same time, speaking about the threats that are being made by the Russian side towards Ukraine, he considers such threats to be futile.

“The (Russian – UNIAN) delegation behaved, as I was told, a little calmer than before, but, you know, impudence is what it is. Impudent people behaved a little more modestly. Let’s see, maybe a couple more events are needed and then everyone will try to behave like people,” Zelensky emphasized.

(C)UNIAN 2025