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He argues that it is no longer enough to just freeze Russian assets – they need to be confiscated.
He argues that it is no longer enough to just freeze Russian assets – they need to be confiscated.
What is happening?
Following another night of deadly Russian strikes on Ukrainian civilian areas, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Thursday issued one of his most forceful condemnations to date.
Russia won’t stop
Speaking at a conference in Helsinki, he demanded a tougher international response, warning that Russia’s aggression won’t end without stronger action.
Call to action
Zelenskyy emphasized that Russia continues its assault despite global appeals to halt the violence.
“This is a war that Russia started,” he declared. “A war that only the Russian leadership wants.”
Accusing Russia of living in the past
The Ukrainian president didn’t hold back in his critique of Russia’s leadership.
He accused Moscow’s political and military elites of being “mentally stuck in another century,” citing their embrace of brutal tactics and disregard for human rights and modern values.
A regime rooted in rejection
Zelenskyy described the Kremlin’s ideology as a deliberate rejection of the post-World War II global order.
According to him, Russia’s current regime thrives on destabilization, repression, and disdain for international norms.
Frozen Russian assets
Turning to the European Union, Zelenskyy made a forceful appeal: frozen Russian financial assets should not remain untouched.
“It’s time to confiscate the Russian assets, not just freeze them,” he urged.
Cut off the war machine
Zelenskyy outlined a broader strategy to weaken Russia’s military capabilities.
He called on allies to fully block the Russian arms industry and choke off energy profits that help fund the ongoing invasion.
Ending Russia’s energy leverage
By targeting Russia’s energy sector—long a cornerstone of its global influence—Zelenskyy hopes to limit the Kremlin’s ability to bankroll the war.
He argued that curbing energy revenues is essential to halting Moscow’s military ambitions.
A hard line on regime change
In one of his boldest statements, Zelenskyy said the world must consider more than just military outcomes.
He warned that without a change of leadership in Russia, peace in Europe would remain fragile and short-lived.
Future threats beyond Ukraine
Zelenskyy cautioned that Moscow’s threat won’t vanish with the end of the war.
“If the world doesn’t aim to change the regime in Russia,” he warned, “Moscow will still try to destabilize neighboring countries.”
