Zelensky claims Putin dodges Trump on ceasefire proposal
Putin is hesitant to oppose Trump and, as a result, is manipulating the response to the ceasefire initiative, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday.
On Thursday evening, Volodymyr Zelensky commented on Vladimir Putin's remarks made during a conference with Alexander Lukashenko.
During the conference, Putin questioned why Ukrainians need a 30-day ceasefire, suggesting it might be for mobilization or to deliver weapons to Kyiv. He speculated that Ukraine might be looking to regroup its forces. "How can we be confident that nothing like that will happen?" he asked.
Nonetheless, the Russian leader stated that Russia supports the American proposal to end the conflict peacefully. However, he stressed that any ceasefire should lead to lasting peace, which means addressing the fundamental causes of the conflict.
Putin also mentioned that if a ceasefire happens, it is uncertain how the situation will evolve in Russia's Kursk region and other areas. Therefore, he declared that the next steps regarding the conflict must be agreed upon, taking into account the situation on the front lines.
Zelensky: Putin is afraid to speak directly
Putin's statements on Thursday were addressed in an evening recording by Volodymyr Zelensky. According to him, the Russian leader, fearing Donald Trump, manipulates the response to the ceasefire initiative in the war that Russia is waging against Ukraine.
"Just a moment ago, we all heard very predictable, very manipulative words from Putin in response to the idea of silence on the front. In reality, he is now preparing a refusal," Zelensky stated.
The President of Ukraine assessed that Putin is afraid to tell Trump directly that he wants to continue the war, "to kill Ukrainians."
In his statement, Zelensky emphasized the need for increased international pressure on the Russian leader and called for sanctions to be introduced to push Russia toward peace.
