Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Tuesday that any progress toward ending the war depends on Russia declaring an unconditional ceasefire.
In his nightly address, the Ukrainian leader rejected the idea of waiting. “They must take clear steps toward ending the war,” Zelenskyy said. “We insist that an unconditional and complete ceasefire must be the first step.”
His remarks followed criticism of Vladimir Putin’s offer to pause hostilities between 8 and 10 May during Victory Day commemorations. Zelenskyy dismissed the gesture as insufficient and delayed, saying there was no need to wait.
Kyiv is also coordinating with the United States to increase pressure on Moscow. Zelenskyy said Ukraine was identifying “those pressure points in Russia that will most strongly encourage Moscow towards diplomacy.”
The Kremlin, meanwhile, claimed Ukraine had ignored its invitation to begin direct talks. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said it remained unclear whether Ukraine would accept the three-day ceasefire.
The war, now in its fourth year, shows little sign of a breakthrough.
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