Ukraine Conflict: Zelenskyy Urges Partners to Beware of Putin’s “Deception” Regarding Ceasefire | World News
Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s allies to ensure that Russia does not “mislead” them regarding a ceasefire.
Following successful discussions between Ukrainian and US officials in Saudi Arabia, Kyiv expressed its willingness to agree to a suggested 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
However, in his nightly address on Wednesday, a day after the Jeddah summit, President Zelenskyy stated, “we must advance towards peace” – but cautioned his partners.
“The critical factor is our allies’ capacity to guarantee that Russia is genuinely prepared to end the war and not to deceive,” the Ukrainian leader remarked. “Currently, Russian attacks have not ceased.”
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Attention has now turned to Vladimir Putin’s reaction to the proposed ceasefire. President Trump indicated that the US received “some positive messages,” adding: “We have people heading to Russia right now.”
However, he cautioned Moscow: “In a financial sense, we could impose significant hardships on Russia, which would be devastating for them.”
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European defense ministers convened in Paris to emphasize that it is now time for Moscow to demonstrate its sincerity regarding ending the conflict.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey, in attendance, delivered a direct message to President Putin: “I say to President Putin, the ball is in your court; if you wish to engage in dialogue, you must prove it.”
Mr. Healey urged Russia to accept the ceasefire and conclude the war, asserting, “the pressure is now on Putin.”
In response, President Putin has been addressing his domestic audience during a visit to Kursk, where Russian forces appear to be regaining strength against Ukrainian troops who previously captured territory in the region.
The Russian line is approaching Sumy from Kursk Oblast
In military attire, the Russian president called upon his troops to vanquish the adversary and fully liberate Kursk, as reported by Interfax.
He also indicated that captured enemy soldiers in the area would be classified as terrorists, following statements from Russia’s chief of general staff that Ukrainian forces in the region are surrounded.
