New Delhi, May 27 -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has charged Russian President Vladimir Putin with obstructing diplomatic initiatives while intensifying a devastating air offensive against Ukraine, deliberately derailing peace efforts in the process.

"Putin must start respecting those he talks to. For now, he is simply playing games with diplomacy and diplomats. That must change," Zelensky said in a statement on Telegram on Monday (May 26), as Russia launched one of its most intense waves of drone and missile strikes in months.

Zelensky's remarks follow a week of what he described as "relentless assaults" by Russian forces.

"Russian strikes are becoming increasingly brazen and large-scale every night," Zelensky wrote.

"Over...