Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reiterated Wednesday that Kyiv’s offer for a 30-day ceasefire remains valid as it accused Russia of responding with attacks instead of engaging in diplomacy.
According to Anadolu Agency, Zelenskyy stated in a video message that the proposal for a ceasefire is still on the table, highlighting the lack of response from Russia other than continued strikes. He emphasized that the ongoing pattern of attacks underscores Russia as the instigator of the conflict and insisted that Moscow will eventually have to cease its aggression.
Zelenskyy pointed out that war results in losses for all parties involved, including the aggressor, and predicted that international sanctions against Russia will increase. He expressed confidence that justice will ultimately prevail, albeit slowly.
The proposal for a 30-day ceasefire was initially put forward by Kyiv to halt hostilities and pave the way for diplomatic discussions. Conversely, Russia has accused Ukraine of hindering the efforts for a temporary truce.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated, as reported by TASS, that Kyiv is the main barrier to achieving a ceasefire, accusing it of violating agreements and being unwilling to negotiate terms for a long-term cessation of hostilities. She added that the behavior of the Ukrainian military during a 72-hour ceasefire declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin from May 8 – 10 would serve as a test of their intentions for peace.