Zelensky taunted the Kremlin: the deadline for the conquest of Donbass was postponed 15 times

In a dramatic escalation of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelenski has issued a stark warning following recent Russian attacks, stating that his country will “bring the war back to Russia.” The statement came as part of a broader response to ongoing military operations by Russian forces, which have intensified their assaults on cities across Ukraine. According to reports from Večernji list, Zelenski emphasized that these attacks continue to target civilians and result in numerous casualties, prompting a firm and measured retaliation from Ukrainian authorities. The latest round of Russian strikes occurred on June 29, 2026, marking another wave of aggression against Ukrainian territory. In response, Zelenski announced that Ukraine would take direct action to counter these attacks, focusing on disrupting the operational capacity of the Russian state. He accused Moscow of engaging in open terrorist activities against Ukrainian citizens and highlighted the humanitarian toll of the conflict. “We will respond fully and justly,” he stated, underscoring that this retaliation would not involve terrorism but rather targeted measures aimed at halting the occupation of Ukrainian land. Zelenski’s remarks were particularly pointed toward Russian President Vladimir Putin, whom he criticized for maintaining a false narrative about Russia’s control over its resources and military capabilities. He noted that despite claims of stability, Russians themselves are experiencing severe shortages of fuel, especially in regions where the war has had the most impact. “Those who stand in lines for gasoline can see that Russia's so-called ‘three-day war’ has now entered its fifth year,” Zelenski said. This critique was framed as evidence that Russia’s ability to sustain the war effort is increasingly strained, and that Ukraine’s actions are directly contributing to this situation. Zelenski also reiterated that Russian political leadership remains fixated on the eastern region of Donbas, specifically the Donetsk and Luhansk areas, where Russian forces have been engaged in intense fighting since the start of the war. He claimed that the Kremlin has set and repeatedly postponed a 15-year deadline for capturing these territories, suggesting that Russia’s strategic focus has been misaligned with the realities on the ground. “If Putin wishes to sacrifice another million of his soldiers to continue striking this wall, then those Russians who have not yet been mobilized and who are arguing over fuel must think carefully about what awaits them next,” he warned. This accusation aligns with recent developments reported by HRT (Hrvatska Radiotelevizija), which noted that Zelenski’s comments were a direct rebuttal to Putin’s earlier dismissal of Ukrainian proposals for deescalation. During a televised interview, Putin acknowledged the energy crisis facing Russia but rejected the idea of reducing combat intensity, calling it a “attempt to ease pressure” on Ukrainian forces. Zelenski, however, argued that such statements fail to address the growing discontent among ordinary Russians, many of whom are struggling with basic necessities due to the war’s economic fallout. Zelenski’s message was further contextualized by the broader geopolitical landscape. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has made significant territorial gains, including full control of the Luhansk region and substantial portions of Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia. Despite these advances, Ukrainian forces have continued to push back using drone strikes and other precision tactics, slowing Russian progress. Analysts suggest that the war has become more complex, with both sides investing heavily in logistics and infrastructure, while civilian populations face increasing hardship. As the conflict enters its fourth year, the rhetoric between Kyiv and Moscow has grown more confrontational. Zelenski’s warning signals a shift in Ukraine’s strategy, emphasizing not only defensive measures but also active efforts to disrupt Russian operations. His call to bring the war back to Russia reflects a broader sentiment among Ukrainian officials and citizens who believe that the conflict must end with a decisive outcome, even if it means escalating the stakes. Looking ahead, the situation remains volatile. While Russia continues to assert its dominance, internal pressures within the country—particularly related to resource scarcity and public dissatisfaction—are beginning to surface. Meanwhile, Ukraine is preparing for potential escalations, with its military and political leaders committed to protecting national sovereignty at all costs. As the war grinds on, the world watches closely, aware that the path forward will likely be shaped by the choices made in the coming months.