Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said Kyiv’s overarching objective is to secure a “reliable and lasting peace” for Ukraine and Europe, but cautioned that it would be naïve to expect Russian President Vladimir Putin to renounce further aggression on his own. Speaking on 18 August, Zelenskiy argued that sustained, coordinated pressure on Moscow remains essential to halt the war and prevent new attacks. He added that Ukraine is prepared to help forge a “new security architecture,” an initiative he said should underpin any future settlement and deter renewed hostilities.