Volodymyr Zelensky insists on a cease-fire ahead of proposed direct negotiations with Vladimir Putin as international pressure mounts.
Zelensky Calls for Cease-Fire Amidst Proposal for Direct Talks with Putin
Zelensky Calls for Cease-Fire Amidst Proposal for Direct Talks with Putin
Ukrainian President urges immediate truce as European leaders threaten further sanctions if Russia refuses agreement.
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has expressed a cautious optimism regarding Russia's recent proposal for direct talks, labeling it a "positive sign." However, Zelensky insists on establishing an immediate cease-fire first, following Russian President Vladimir Putin's earlier rejection of this truce on Sunday. In a message shared via social media, Zelensky indicated that he expects Russia to affirm a cease-fire commencing Monday.
The exchange between Zelensky and Putin surfaced after notable European leaders, including those from France, Britain, Germany, and Poland, visited Kyiv. They issued a stern ultimatum for Russia to accept a 30-day cease-fire by Monday or face new sanctions. During a subsequent phone call with the leaders, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the US would join in additional sanctions if Putin fails to comply.
The Trump administration, which had sought to negotiate an end to hostilities over the past three months, had recently aligned with Russia on a vote regarding the Ukraine situation within the United Nations. Although existing sanctions remain, new restrictions have not been imposed despite Putin's persistence in military actions. Conversely, Ukraine had agreed to an unconditional cease-fire proposal made by the United States back in March.
In response to European demands, Putin called for direct negotiations to take place in Istanbul in the coming days, yet he did not acquiesce to the cease-fire request. Earlier statements from the Kremlin indicated that Russia might consider a truce only if Western nations ceased their military support to Ukraine.
The exchange between Zelensky and Putin surfaced after notable European leaders, including those from France, Britain, Germany, and Poland, visited Kyiv. They issued a stern ultimatum for Russia to accept a 30-day cease-fire by Monday or face new sanctions. During a subsequent phone call with the leaders, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the US would join in additional sanctions if Putin fails to comply.
The Trump administration, which had sought to negotiate an end to hostilities over the past three months, had recently aligned with Russia on a vote regarding the Ukraine situation within the United Nations. Although existing sanctions remain, new restrictions have not been imposed despite Putin's persistence in military actions. Conversely, Ukraine had agreed to an unconditional cease-fire proposal made by the United States back in March.
In response to European demands, Putin called for direct negotiations to take place in Istanbul in the coming days, yet he did not acquiesce to the cease-fire request. Earlier statements from the Kremlin indicated that Russia might consider a truce only if Western nations ceased their military support to Ukraine.
