Ukraine intensifies military pressure, warns of revising peace proposals as Russia faces deep strikes

Ukrainian officials are ramping up long-range strikes on Russian military infrastructure while delivering a firm diplomatic message: Kyiv remains open to negotiations on its terms, but patience is limited. Any delay risks Ukraine reconsidering its current proposals, backed by growing military leverage.

Strong warning at the UN Security Council

On June 22, 2026, Ukraine’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Andriy Melnik, addressed the Security Council. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s readiness for direct talks with Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace under the UN Charter. However, he delivered a clear ultimatum-style warning:

“Ukraine is ready for direct negotiations with Russia to achieve a just and lasting peace in accordance with the UN Charter. But our patience is not unlimited. If the UN Security Council continues to choose a wait-and-see attitude, Ukraine may reconsider its current proposals. A ceasefire along the actual front line is already a major compromise,” the Ukrainian permanent representative said.

Ukraine had proposed a ceasefire along the actual frontline as a major compromise, but its successful deep strikes and intensified operations against Crimea in recent days suggest that Kyiv could regain the peninsula through continued military pressure.

Melnik stressed that Russia is stuck on the frontline, suffering over 30,000 casualties per month, and will never hold onto occupied Ukrainian territories. He accused Russia of war crimes in the massive 15 June attack on Kyiv (around 70 missiles and over 600 drones), which damaged the historic Uspensky Cathedral in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra (UNESCO site), the Dovzhenko Film Studio, and other cultural landmarks.

The session featured strong international support. The U.S. representative urged Russia to reach an agreement immediately, stating “time is not on Moscow’s side.” Russia faces some 40,000 monthly casualties and economic strain, while Ukraine advances technologically. Representatives from France, the UK, and others echoed calls for Russia to engage meaningfully on the basis of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Precision Strikes Hit Key Russian Military TargetsUkraine’s military continues to demonstrate its ability to strike deep into Russia. On 21 June and the night of 22 June, the General Staff reported successful hits using air-launched cruise missiles:

The “Dubna” space communications center near Moscow (large smoke plume observed; damage assessment ongoing).
A critical factory in Voronezh producing electronic components for Iskander, Kh-101 missiles, and Pantsir-S1 systems. The facility is a vital node in Russia’s military-industrial complex; disrupting it will hinder production of precision weapons.
Command posts in Belgorod and Donetsk regions.
Port infrastructure at “Kavkaz” in Krasnodar Krai and two car ferries used for supplying Russian forces in southern Ukraine.

These operations aim to degrade Russia’s logistics, command, and missile production capacity.

Ultimatum to Belarus prompts Kremlin response

Complementing the military and diplomatic pressure, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a one-week ultimatum to Belarus: dismantle Russian drone signal relay stations near the border (used for guiding Shahed attacks on Ukraine) and stop supplying fuel to Russian forces. Failure to comply would force Ukraine to take direct measures.

Zelenskyy issues ultimatum to Lukashenko: dismantle Russian drone retranslators or Ukraine will act

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov confirmed Putin would discuss the ultimatum with Lukashenko – a rare official acknowledgment that highlights strains in the Russia-Belarus alliance and Belarus’s exposure after Russia reportedly stripped its air defences.

These coordinated actions – deep strikes inside Russia, the Belarus ultimatum drawing a Kremlin response, and Melnik’s explicit warning at the UN that proposals could be revised – underscore Kyiv’s approach. Ukraine is not offering new concessions but applying pressure to compel Russia to accept fair terms or face escalating consequences. Officials make clear that continued aggression and delays will only worsen Russia’s position..

This article by EUalive draws on in-depth reporting by our partner Suspilne.

Caption: United States Ambassador to the United Nations Michael Waltz speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York, New York, USA, 7 April 2026. EPA/SARAH YENESEL