Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating the ceasefire proposal, stating that Moscow is crowding the thought with preconditions designed to delay or derail progress.
In a publish on X, Zelenskyy stated, “Proper now, we have now all heard from Russia Putin’s extremely predictable and manipulative phrases in response to the thought of a ceasefire on the entrance lines–at this second he’s, the truth is, getting ready to reject it.” He argued that whereas Ukraine has accepted the US-backed proposal for an unconditional ceasefire on land, at sea, and within the air, Russia continues to create obstacles to keep away from a decision.
Zelenskyy asserted that Putin is reluctant to confess his want to proceed the warfare and is as an alternative utilizing ways to complicate negotiations. “After all, Putin is afraid to inform President Trump instantly that he desires to proceed this warfare and preserve killing Ukrainians. That is why, in Moscow, they’re surrounding the ceasefire concept with such preconditions that it both fails or will get dragged out for so long as doable. Putin does this often–he would not say ‘no’ outright, however he drags issues out and makes affordable options unimaginable. We see this as yet one more spherical of Russian manipulation,” he stated. He pressured that Ukraine will not be imposing any circumstances that may complicate the method and that solely Russia is delaying progress.
“There was a US proposal for an unconditional ceasefire–in the air, at sea, and on the entrance traces. We in Ukraine accepted this proposal. We now have heard from the American facet that there’s readiness to organise monitoring and verification. And that is completely feasible–with American and European capabilities. And throughout the ceasefire, to organize solutions to all questions on long-term safety and an actual, lasting peace, and to place a plan to finish the warfare on the desk,” Zelenskyy added. He reaffirmed Ukraine’s willingness to work swiftly and constructively, emphasising that discussions with US and European representatives had already taken place and that world allies had been conscious of Ukraine’s place.
In the meantime, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, expressing gratitude to world leaders, together with US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for his or her efforts to resolve the battle. Talking at a press convention alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged that Russia was open to ceasing hostilities however insisted that any halt in combating should result in “long-term peace and remove the basis causes of the disaster.”
He urged that Ukraine’s willingness to barter may need been influenced by US strain, saying, “On the face of it, the US-Ukraine assembly in Saudi Arabia might seem like the Ukrainian facet made this resolution beneath strain from america. Actually, I’m completely satisfied that the Ukrainian facet ought to have requested the Individuals for this resolution most emphatically, in view of the scenario evolving on the bottom.”
Zelenskyy, nevertheless, dismissed Russia’s method as obstructionist, stating, “We’re not setting circumstances that complicate the process–Russia is. As we have now at all times stated, the one one stalling, the one one being unconstructive, is Russia. They want this warfare. Putin has stolen years of peace and continues this warfare day after day.” He known as for a rise in worldwide strain on Moscow, emphasising the necessity for efficient sanctions. “Now could be the time to extend strain on him. Sanctions should be applied–ones that may work. We are going to proceed working with our American and European companions and with everybody on this planet who desires peace–to pressure Russia to finish this warfare.”
On March 11, Ukraine formally agreed to an “rapid, interim 30-day ceasefire,” which might be prolonged by mutual settlement and was contingent on Russia’s acceptance. The proposal, which was mentioned in US-Ukraine peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, was welcomed by President Trump, who emphasised the significance of ending the warfare. “Troopers of each Russia and Ukraine are being killed on this horrible warfare,” Trump stated, expressing hope that Russia would additionally conform to the ceasefire.
India has additionally reiterated its help for diplomatic negotiations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi stating that India’s stance will not be impartial however “on the facet of peace.” PM Modi emphasised that he had personally engaged with each Russian and Ukrainian leaders and reaffirmed that warfare couldn’t be resolved on the battlefield. “I’ve stated that ‘this isn’t a time of warfare’ in entrance of the media when President Putin was with me. Even in the present day, my conviction is that the options to warfare can’t be discovered on the battlefield, and in the end, we have now to be on the desk,” he stated. PM Modi additionally welcomed Trump’s peace efforts, expressing hope for a swift decision.
Final yr, PM Modi travelled to Russia and Ukraine, assembly with each leaders and reiterating India’s willingness to play an energetic function in peace efforts. Throughout discussions with Zelenskyy, he reaffirmed India’s place {that a} decision should come by means of diplomacy and dialogue. The battle, which has persevered since February 2022, continues to attract worldwide efforts towards de-escalation, however with each side sustaining deep-seated disagreements, an enduring peace stays unsure.
