Putin and Zelensky clash as ceasefire proposal stirs debate
Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky exchanged sharp comments. Zelensky criticized Putin for his aggressive rhetoric and lack of respect for human life. Putin, in turn, stated that he does not regret the decision to invade Ukraine. The Hungarian Prime Minister proposed that both leaders cease fire during the Christmas holidays.
While the European Union summit was taking place in Brussels, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky criticized Putin for his aggressive rhetoric and lack of respect for human life. "I think Putin is very dangerous, he doesn't care about human lives … I think he is crazy," Zelensky stated.
At the same time, during a press conference in Moscow, Putin expressed his readiness for talks with the new U.S. President, Donald Trump, and dialogue with Ukraine, but only based on the current territorial situation. Putin stated that he does not regret the decision to invade Ukraine in 2022. "I have done everything so that Russia can be an independent sovereign state," he said.
Zelensky on support from the U.S. and Europe
After meeting with European leaders, Zelensky emphasized the need for support from the U.S. and Europe. "It is very important for us to have both on board, the United States of America and Europeans," he pointed out. He added that European security guarantees alone are not enough.
During the EU summit, European leaders expressed support for Ukraine but avoided making clear declarations on future security guarantees. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez ruled out the possibility of sending Spanish troops to Ukraine after the end of the war.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán proposed a ceasefire in Ukraine during the Christmas holidays, which met with criticism from Zelensky, who considered it an unserious PR stunt. European Council President António Costa also expressed skepticism about this proposal.
The G7 countries are considering tightening sanctions on Russian oil, including the possibility of a total ban on its handling or lowering the maximum price from $60 to approximately $40 per barrel. This is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the Russian economy.
