Ukraine’s Zelensky Accuses Russia of Trying to Delay Ceasefire
Russia’s Ceasefire Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of trying to achieve a "stronger position" militarily before committing to any ceasefire in the war in Ukraine. This comes after Russia did not immediately agree to a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US, with President Vladimir Putin raising questions about the initiative.
Zelensky’s Statement
At a press conference in Kyiv, Zelensky stated, "They want a stronger position before the ceasefire. I think the delaying of the process is exactly because of what I said. They want to improve their situation on the battlefield."
Russia’s Momentum
The ceasefire proposal comes as Russia has gained momentum in many areas of the front in Ukraine, three years into its invasion. Moscow has also ousted Ukrainian troops from swathes of Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukraine had led a shock offensive last summer.
Trump’s Position
Zelensky also accused Putin of going against Trump, who has made some friendly statements on Russia, and accused Moscow of trying to find ways not to end the war. "Today Putin is the one who doesn’t agree with what Trump has proposed," he said.
Ceasefire Negotiations
Zelensky stated that a 30-day ceasefire would allow negotiations on a long-term peace, but ruled out ceding any territory to Russia. "The US raised this issue at a meeting in Jeddah. They got the Ukrainian position," he said, referring to talks between US and Ukrainian teams in Saudi Arabia. "Our position is that we do not recognise the occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian in any case."
Territorial Disputes
Zelensky emphasized that the issue of territories was complex and should be "resolved later, at the negotiating table." Russia has occupied large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine, with Moscow claiming to have annexed four Ukrainian regions, despite not controlling them fully.
Conclusion
Ukraine’s Zelensky has accused Russia of trying to delay the ceasefire proposal, citing Russia’s desire to achieve a stronger military position. The stalemate in the conflict has left many questions unanswered, with the fate of Ukraine’s territories and the future of the war hanging in the balance.
FAQs
- What is the current state of the war in Ukraine?
The war in Ukraine has been ongoing for three years, with Russia having gained momentum in many areas of the front. - What is the current ceasefire proposal?
The US has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, which Russia has not agreed to. - What is Ukraine’s stance on the ceasefire proposal?
Ukraine is open to negotiations on a long-term peace, but rules out ceding any territory to Russia. - What is the position of the US on the conflict?
The US has proposed a 30-day ceasefire, but has not taken a clear stance on the conflict’s outcome. - What is the position of Russia on the conflict?
Russia has not agreed to the ceasefire proposal and has occupied large parts of southern and eastern Ukraine.