Ukraine's Zelenskiy calls Russian leaders 'bandits', rules out frozen conflict

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy addresses lawmakers during a session of the Ukrainian parliament dedicated the Constitution Day, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine June 28, 2023. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS/File photo

KYIV (Reuters) - President Volodymyr Zelenskiy described Russia's political and military leaders as bandits on Wednesday, and ruled out any peace plan that would turn the war on Ukraine into a frozen conflict.

Zelenskiy made his remarks in a speech to parliament on Ukraine's Constitution Day, a day after Russian President Vladimir Putin praised his troops for their handling of a mutiny by mercenaries led by Wagner Group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin.