Zelensky Discusses Ceasefire Efforts with Trump Amid Ongoing Tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he will engage in a phone conversation with US President Donald Trump, aiming to gather insights about Trump's recent dialogue with Russian President Vladimir Putin. During a press conference in Helsinki, following his meeting with Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelensky expressed hope that Trump would shed light on Putin's willingness to consider a ceasefire, albeit limited to attacks on energy infrastructure, rather than the comprehensive ceasefire advocated by the US.
"Today, I will have contact with President Trump," Zelensky confirmed, indicating that their discussion would revolve around the ensuing steps after Putin's indication of a limited ceasefire. He described the previous week's meeting between US and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia as productive, where Ukraine signaled its intention to declare a ceasefire across land, sea, and air – a proposal that has yet to receive affirmation from the Kremlin.
Zelensky regarded the US's ceasefire proposal as a positive initial move towards ending the conflict but stressed that the ultimate resolution hinges on Moscow's actions. "I believe everything would go well if it weren't for Russia, which is never satisfied when things are going well," he stated, voicing his skepticism about Russia's genuine desire for peace.
His concerns deepened after Putin signaled to Trump that he would not consider a total ceasefire but is willing to temporarily halt attacks on energy infrastructures, assuming Kiev reciprocates. Zelensky underscored his firm stance against recognizing any territories occupied by Russia, asserting, "For us, the red line is the recognition of temporarily occupied territories as part of Russia. We will not do it," particularly referencing Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014.
The Ukrainian leader also accused Putin of failing to honor his commitments, citing new Russian military offensives against Ukrainian energy infrastructures despite claims of initiating a partial ceasefire. "He wants us not to know about his attacks," Zelensky remarked, calling on the international community to intensify pressure on Russia to bring an end to the war.
Conversely, Russia has accused Ukraine of preemptively striking an oil depot in the Krasnodar region, with the Russian Defense Ministry alleging that the Kiev regime executed a coordinated drone attack on an energy facility in Kavkázkaya, dubbing it a provocation to undermine US diplomatic efforts.
Finnish President Stubb reiterated that the pathway to peace lies in Russia unequivocally ending its aggression, underscoring that Ukraine's right to self-defense, both independently and with the support of allies, should remain intact. He posited that a just and lasting peace could only be established if Russia agrees to acknowledge the principles laid out in the United Nations Charter.
Stubb called for a renewed commitment from Russia toward an unconditional ceasefire, highlighting that should Moscow reject this proposal, it is imperative to bolster Ukraine's position and amplify pressure on Russia until it engages seriously in negotiations. He praised the influential role played by the US under Trump's leadership in pursuing peace initiatives, labeling the recent communication between Trump and Putin as a constructive step towards achieving a total and unconditional ceasefire.
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