Ukranian President Zelenskyy criticised Putin’s ambiguous stance on the proposed ceasefire, describing it as “highly manipulative” and alleged that Putin doesn’t actually want a ceasefire but is doesn’t want to tell US President Donald Trump.
Zelenskyy accused Putin of “actually preparing a refusal” while asserting that the Russian leader is “afraid to say directly to President Trump that he wants to continue this war.”
In his evening address, Zelenskyy responded to Putin’s initial public remarks regarding the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine supports. Putin expressed nominal support for the ceasefire whilst raising significant concerns about its implementation. “We agree with the proposal for a ceasefire (with Ukraine) to cease hostilities, but we proceed from the fact that this ceasefire should lead to an enduring peace, and should remove the root causes of this crisis,” Putin said during a news conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
Read more:Vladimir Putin says he agrees with ‘good’ US ceasefire proposal, hints at phone call with Donald Trump
In response, Zelenskyy, in his night address said, “We now have all heard from Russia Putin’s very predictable, very manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire.” Further continuing his criticism on Russia and Putin, he said, “We do not set conditions that complicate anything. Russia does that.” “As we have always said, the only one who will drag things out, the only one who will be unconstructive, is Russia,” he added.
This comes after US administration requested Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire, but Putin outlined several potential barriers. Thereafter, Zelenskyy emphasised that Ukraine maintains a straightforward position, whilst Russia creates complications.
Putin expressed worries about Ukraine potentially gaining military advantages during a ceasefire and highlighted challenges in monitoring such an arrangement across the extensive front line. He also indicated a preference to continue military operations, citing recent Russian advancements.
Zelenskyy characterised Putin’s approach as a typical pattern of indirect rejection through creating delays and obstacles. He highlighted that the American side has offered to oversee the ceasefire’s implementation and verification.
The Ukrainian leader affirmed that American and European capabilities could effectively manage the ceasefire, allowing time to address security concerns and develop a comprehensive peace plan to end the conflict.
