Zelensky Urges Regime Change in Russia, Warns of Ongoing Threat to Europe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called on Western nations to aim for long-term security by pushing for regime change in Russia, warning that Moscow’s ambitions go far beyond Ukraine’s borders.

Speaking at a virtual conference on July 31 commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Helsinki Final Act, Zelensky said Russia must be pressured not only to end its war in Ukraine, but to prevent future destabilization efforts across Europe.

“Russia can be made to stop this war. It started it, and it can end it. But if the world doesn’t work toward changing the regime in Moscow, the threat won’t go away,” Zelensky said, just hours after Russia launched yet another large-scale missile strike on Kyiv.

Zelensky also renewed calls for more aggressive economic action against Moscow, urging allies to go beyond asset freezes and instead confiscate Russian assets to fund Ukraine’s defense.

“We need to completely dismantle Russia’s war machine,” he said. “Every frozen Russian asset—including wealth gained through corruption—should be used to defend against aggression.”

Shifting U.S. Policy and Pressure on Moscow

Zelensky’s remarks come at a time when former U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly hardened his tone on Russia. According to senior U.S. diplomat John Kelley, Trump is pushing for a peace deal by August 8, and has threatened to impose sweeping new tariffs on Russia if no agreement is reached.

The proposed sanctions include secondary measures targeting any country that continues to trade with Russia—particularly those buying Russian oil, gas, or other exports. This move would place economic pressure on major players like China and India, whose ties with Russia have helped blunt the impact of earlier Western sanctions.

Peace Talks Stalled as Attacks Escalate

Despite international pressure, diplomatic progress has stalled. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on July 31 that negotiations with the Kremlin remain frozen, with Russia continuing to escalate attacks on civilian targets in Ukrainian cities.

Zelensky’s address follows rising concern in Europe over Russian sabotage efforts and broader ambitions beyond Ukraine. The European Union has expressed worry over Russia’s covert operations, including alleged acts of sabotage and influence campaigns across the continent.

Poland on Alert

Poland, which shares borders with Belarus and Russia’s heavily militarized Kaliningrad region, has also raised alarms. On July 25, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk warned that Russia could be ready for military confrontation with Europe within two years, citing growing threats and intelligence assessments.

Attempts on Zelensky’s Life

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Zelensky has been the target of multiple assassination attempts. Ukrainian officials confirmed at least three known plots by March 2022, when Russian forces were pushing toward Kyiv. Those efforts were thwarted, but they highlight the lengths to which the Kremlin has gone to eliminate Ukraine’s leadership.

Zelensky’s message was clear: a temporary ceasefire or negotiated settlement is not enough if Russia's leadership remains unchanged and intent on expanding its influence. He urged the international community to act boldly—not only to protect Ukraine, but to safeguard the stability of Europe.