A senior Ukrainian diplomat cautioned against any form of appeasement towards Russian President Vladimir Putin, asserting that the recent lethal assaults on Ukraine indicated his lack of interest in achieving peace. She urged allies to provide additional support.

On Sunday, Russia launched its most extensive airstrike in nearly three months, targeting Ukraine’s power infrastructure. Ukraine’s ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva remarked that this action underscored Putin’s resolve to perpetuate the ongoing conflict, which has lasted for over 1,000 days, and aimed to “plunge Ukraine into darkness and cold.”

Yevheniia Filipenko expressed to Reuters that these attacks clearly illustrate Putin’s intentions: “He does not seek peace; he seeks war.”

The seasoned diplomat from Kyiv adopted a resolute stance amid rising speculation about potential peace negotiations with Putin next year, influenced by a shift in the U.S. administration and signs of fatigue regarding the war.

“Putin interprets these overtures for dialogue as a sign of weakness. What we require now is not weakness or appeasement, but strength,” she stated, refraining from identifying those pursuing talks. Some allies have criticized German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s recent phone conversation with Putin, viewing it as a sign of diminished unity.

In a notable policy change, the Biden administration has permitted Ukraine to utilize U.S.-manufactured weapons for strikes deeper within Russian territory, as reported by Reuters. The Kremlin has condemned this decision as reckless, warning it could heighten the risk of confrontation with the NATO alliance led by the U.S.

When asked for her thoughts on this development, she responded, “We must not be intimidated by Russia’s threats. Instead, we should take decisive measures to counter the dangers posed by Russian aggression.”

She requested further assistance, seeking enhanced support for air defenses and increased diplomatic pressure on Russia.

Since Moscow’s invasion in February 2022, Filipenko has worked with Western allies to denounce and isolate Moscow at the U.N. European headquarters in Geneva, a center for diplomacy, human rights, and humanitarian efforts. She highlighted achievements such as preventing Russian officials from occupying 40 significant international positions and implementing numerous other U.N. initiatives.

“We do not sense war fatigue among our partners,” she stated.
Although U.N. humanitarian aid for Ukraine has decreased since its peak in 2022, Filipenko downplayed concerns about potential further declines under U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

“I believe it is premature to be alarmed,” she remarked. “We have faith in the American people, who have shown their genuine support for Ukraine.”