Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accuses Putin of prolonging the war by avoiding a ceasefire proposal. Amid ongoing military engagements, the U.S. and Ukraine seek a 30-day ceasefire to facilitate peace talks, while both sides face criticism regarding their roles in the conflict.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin for what he deemed as an intentional delay in ceasefire talks, stating that Putin has “stolen” another week of conflict. This comment follows a proposed 30-day ceasefire by the United States and Ukraine, which seeks to pave the way for a broader peace agreement. American negotiators have been engaged with both Kyiv and Moscow amidst efforts to formulate a deal, with differing narratives emerging from both sides on the continuation of hostilities.
In light of the recent negotiations held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, President Putin expressed conditional support for a ceasefire, emphasizing that a halt in fighting would primarily benefit Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy criticized this position, emphasizing that Russia’s actions are prolonging the conflict. He stated on social media, “After the talks in Jeddah… Russia stole almost another week — a week of war that only Russia wants.”
Andriy Yermak, who heads Zelenskyy’s presidential office, echoed these sentiments, asserting that Ukraine would continue to respond to Russia’s attacks vigorously. Additionally, Zelenskyy aims to showcase Ukraine’s readiness for peace amid criticisms from various quarters, including remarks from former President Donald Trump, who recently expressed a willingness to engage with Putin regarding the conflict’s resolution.
The fighting remains fierce along key fronts, particularly in the Russian region of Kursk, where recent Ukrainian offensives have occurred. Russian officials assert that negotiations cannot take place while the area is occupied, creating further complexities in the dialogue for peace. Recent reports indicate that both sides are engaged in drone warfare, with significant exchanges resulting in casualties and infrastructural damage in both Ukraine and Russia.
In conclusion, the current state of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia highlights the contentious nature of ceasefire proposals and the ongoing hostilities that both sides are engaged in. Zelenskyy’s calls for effective diplomacy underscore Ukraine’s commitment to resolving the conflict, while Russia’s paralleled military responses reveal the complexities surrounding peace negotiations. Efforts from international actors, such as the United States, remain pivotal in seeking a resolution to this prolonged war.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
