Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of manipulating the ceasefire proposal, noting that Moscow is crowding the idea on preconditions aimed at delaying or derailing progress.
“Now, we all hear from the highly predictable and manipulative words of Putin, Russia, answering the idea of a ceasefire on the front line – at this moment, he is actually ready to reject it.” He argued that despite Ukraine’s acceptance of a US-backed proposal for an unconditional ceasefire at sea and in the air, Russia continues to create obstacles to avoid a solution.
Zelenskyy asserted that Putin was reluctant to admit his desire to continue the war, but instead used strategies to complicate negotiations. “Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue the war and continue to kill the Ukrainians. That’s why in Moscow, they revolve around the idea of a ceasefire with such prerequisites that it would delay or delay for as long as possible. Putin often does this. He stressed that Ukraine has not imposed any conditions that would complicate the process, and that only Russia delayed progress.
“The United States has a proposal to propose an unconditional ceasefire – in the air, at sea and on the front lines. We accepted this proposal in Ukraine. We heard from Americans that we were interested in surveillance and verification. It is absolutely feasible – in the capacity of the United States and Europe, in the case of termination, please work hard to solve all the problems. Table,” Zelenskyy added. He reiterated Ukraine’s willingness to work quickly and constructively, stressing that discussions with us and the representatives of Europe have taken place and that global allies are aware of Ukraine’s status.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin commented on Ukraine’s preparations for a ceasefire, expressing gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva for resolving the conflict. Putin said at a press conference for Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that Russia is willing to stop hostilities but insists that anyone who stops fighting must lead to “long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the crisis.”
He suggested that Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate may have been affected by U.S. pressure, saying: “On the surface, the U.S.-Ukrainian meeting in Saudi Arabia may seem as if the Ukrainian side has made this decision under U.S. pressure.
Yet, Zelenskyy believes that Russia’s approach is an obstacleist, saying: “We don’t set the conditions to complicate the process – Russia is. As we have always said, the only stagnant, the only non-structural stagnation is Russia. They need this war. They need this war. Putin falls into peace and continuation day after day.” He called for increased international pressure on Moscow, stressing the need for effective sanctions. “It’s time to increase the pressure on him. Sanctions must be imposed – those who will be effective. We will continue to work with our American and European partners and everyone who hopes for peace – to force Russia to end this war.”
On March 11, Ukraine formally agreed to a “immediate, temporary 30-day ceasefire”, which could be expanded by mutual agreements and depends on Russia’s acceptance. The proposal was discussed in the U.S.-Ukrainian peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and was welcomed by President Trump, who stressed the importance of ending the war. “Soldiers from Russia and Ukraine are being killed in this terrible war,” Trump said. He said Russia also hopes to agree to a ceasefire.
India also reiterated its support for diplomatic negotiations, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi noting that India’s position is not neutral, but “on the peace.” Prime Minister Modi stressed that he personally engaged to the leaders of Russia and Ukraine and reiterated that the battlefield cannot be resolved on the battlefield. “I have said that when President Putin is with me, in front of the media, it is not a war time. Even today, my belief is that there is no solution to the war on the battlefield, and ultimately, we must be on the table.” Prime Minister Modi also welcomed Trump’s peaceful efforts and expressed hope for a quick resolution.
Last year, Prime Minister Modi traveled to Russia and Ukraine to meet with the leaders and reiterated India’s willingness to play an active role in peace efforts. In his discussion with Zelenskyy, he reiterated India’s position that resolutions must be resolved through diplomacy and dialogue. The conflict that has been around since February 2022 continues to promote international efforts to downgrade, but both sides maintain profound differences and lasting peace remains uncertain.
