Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of trying to manipulate the negotiations for a ceasefire between their countries by bringing up conditions that can slow down the process.
Commenting in a statement on X, Zelensky said, "Currently, we all heard from Russia—Putin's very predictable and manipulative words on the concept of a ceasefire on the front lines. Now, he is actually getting ready to refuse it."
Putin had previously shown his readiness to accept a reported US-backed ceasefire initiative but had demanded some changes to be made.
In his address, Putin expressed appreciation for support from major allies such as US President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. But he continued, "The idea itself is the right one, and we certainly support it. But there are questions that we have to discuss. I think we need to work with our American partners. Maybe I will speak to President Trump. But we support the idea of ending this conflict through peaceful means."
Zelensky, however, accused Putin of being reluctant to confess to Trump that he planned to extend the war and keep bombarding Ukraine.
"That's why, in Moscow, they are enveloping the ceasefire concept with such conditions that either it doesn't work or they stretch it out for as long as possible," Zelensky said. "Putin tends to do that a lot—he doesn't tell you 'no,' but he stretches things out and makes the reasonable solution impossible. We are seeing this as another round of Russian manipulation."
As per Zelensky, the American proposal necessitated an unconditional ceasefire on air, sea, and front-line operations, which was already accepted by Ukraine. He further stated that both the European allies and the US had consented to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire to achieve permanent peace and security.
"Ukraine stands ready to act as speedily and constructively as necessary. We've discussed this with the US officials, and it has been noticed by our European friends, all of our allies throughout the globe.".
Zelensky also blamed Russia for bringing unnecessary complications to delay the ceasefire process. "As we always said, the only one delaying, the only one being non-constructive, is Russia. They need this war. Putin has robbed us of years of peace and continues this war day by day," he further added.
He stressed the time was to ramp up pressure on Russia by sanctions, making it clear once again that Ukraine remained committed to cooperation with the US and allies in Europe for a termination of the war.
On 11 March, Ukraine formally assented to an "immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire," with extension possible if Russia also consented. The ceasefire, if implemented, would constitute a major movement toward a culmination of the conflict that had endured for three years.
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