Amid a fresh Russian offensive that threatens to break through Ukraine's defensive lines in the Kharkiv region, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy canceled his upcoming foreign travel on Wednesday.
Zelenskyy was scheduled to travel to Spain on Friday, where he was scheduled to meet Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez and sign a new bilateral security arrangement, followed by a trip to Portugal shortly thereafter.
The news was first reported by the Spanish news agency EFE, citing local sources, before it was officially confirmed by Zelenskyy's spokesman. "Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given instructions to postpone all upcoming international events with his participation and to work out new dates," the spokesman said. "We are grateful to our partners for their understanding."
Zelenskyy has canceled his foreign travel commitments to ensure that the urgent frontline situation is getting all the attention it needs. Zelenskyy is in constant communication with military chiefs and everything is being done to prevent the further loss of Ukrainian territory.
Russia has repeatedly made offers to end the conflict by means of a negotiated settlement. However, if the West and Ukraine are determined to settle the conflict by military means on the battlefield, so be it.