Open Letter
To the President of the Russian Federation
From the President of Ukraine
When you came to power in Russia more than 26 years ago, many people in Ukraine viewed you positively. That is how it was. But that is now in the past.
Now, the overwhelming majority of Ukrainians view it positively that our long-range drones paid a visit to the opening of your forum in St. Petersburg, covering a distance of more than 1,000 kilometers. As you know very well, that distance is not the limit of our capabilities.
🇨🇭 "Я русский человек, мы вас всех убивать будем — и тебя, и тебя, всех". Это мерзкой твари не понравилось, что сидящая рядом семья украинцев с годовалым ребенком говорит на своем языке. Всё это происходило 13 октября в поезде, едущем из Интерлакена в Шпиц (кантон Берн). Позже украинцы сообщили об инциденте в полицию, они собираются подать жалобу на человека, который им угрожал.
Найти и наказать эту мразь! Нельзя такое спускать с рук.
Kyiv this morning. There were no military targets. Just people sleeping in their homes. This is what russia is. Anyone that thinks Putin wants peace is detached from reality.
Right now in Kyiv, first responders are clearing the rubble of an ordinary residential building after a Russian strike. Another massive attack against our cities and communities. Killings again. Tragically, at least 8 people have already been confirmed dead. One of them is a child. My condolences to all their families and loved ones.
People may still be trapped under the rubble. Dozens are wounded. These Russian missiles and attack drones today are a clear response to everyone in the world who, for weeks and months, has been calling for a ceasefire and for real diplomacy. Russia chooses ballistics instead of the negotiating table. It chooses to continue killing instead of ending the war. And this means that Russia still does not fear the consequences. Russia still takes advantage of the fact that at least part of the world turns a blind eye to murdered children and seeks excuses for Putin.
We expect a reaction from China to what is going on. China has repeatedly called for not expanding the war and for a ceasefire. Yet this is not happening because of Russia. We expect a reaction from Hungary. The death of children should definitely stir far greater emotions than anything else. We expect a response from everyone in the world who has called for peace but now more often stays silent rather than taking principled positions.
And it is definitely time for new, tough sanctions against Russia for everything it is doing. All deadlines have already been broken, dozens of opportunities for diplomacy ruined. Russia must feel accountable for every strike, for every day of this war. Eternal memory to all victims of Russia!
I am at the site of a truly horrendous Russian missile attack.
Overnight, one of the largest American investments in Ukraine – Flex – an active member of the American Chamber of Commerce was hit by Russian missiles.
This was not only an attack on Ukraine. It was an attack on American business. Two missiles struck the factory, where 600 employees were working the night shift. Thanks to strict safety protocols, every life was saved.
Russia is not only devastating Ukraine — it is destroying and humiliating American business.
The region neighbors the EU and has been considered the safest region in Ukraine. Now definitely not so.
We call on President Trump to stand with American business and to confront Vladimir Putin’s campaign of destruction.
Mukachevo, August 21, 2025
Last night, the Russian army set one of its insane anti-records. They targeted civilian infrastructure facilities, residential buildings, and our people.
Several cruise missiles were lobbed against an American-owned enterprise in Zakarpattia. It was a regular civilian business, supported by American investment, producing everyday items like coffee machines. And yet, it was also a target for the Russians. This is very telling. The fire at the facility is still being extinguished. As of now, 15 people have been reported injured in the strike – all have received the necessary assistance.
First responders are also working across many other regions, from Zaporizhzhia to Volyn. In total, overnight, 574 strike drones and 40 missiles were launched against Ukraine. A significant portion was intercepted, but unfortunately, not all.
And the Russians carried out this attack as if nothing has changed at all, as if there are no global efforts to stop this war. This requires a response. There is still no signal from Moscow that they truly intend to engage in substantive negotiations and end this war. Pressure is needed. Strong sanctions, strong tariffs. I thank everyone who is helping.