A top aide to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has identified aviation-related sanctions as the most painful for the Kremlin, urging Ukraine’s allies to keep the pressure on as diplomatic efforts to end the war continue.
Andriy Yermak, head of the Ukrainian presidential office, wrote in The Guardian that sanctions on Russia’s civil aviation and restricted airspace access have become a key point of contention for Moscow. “The fact that Russian officials have made lifting aviation sanctions a priority in diplomatic channels underscores their effectiveness,” Yermak stated, reinforcing Kyiv’s call for these measures to remain in place.
Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has indicated that the time has come for both Russia and Ukraine to put forth concrete proposals toward a resolution. He warned that if no progress is made, the United States may scale back its involvement.
President Zelensky, in his nightly address, emphasized that any move toward peace must begin with an unconditional ceasefire from Russia. “Only then can real negotiations begin,” he said.
On the ground, the violence shows no sign of slowing. Russian drone strikes injured at least 45 people in Kharkiv late Tuesday, including two children and a pregnant woman. Another drone attack hit Dnipro city, killing at least one person, according to Ukrainian officials.