Zelensky Slams Russia for Delaying Peace, Demands Stronger Action
Ukraine’s President Says Russia “Buying Time” as World Powers Step Up Pressure
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has come out strongly to accuse Russia of deliberately delaying peace talks in order to continue its attacks on Ukraine. This statement came just after former US President, Donald Trump, announced that there was progress towards a ceasefire following his phone call with Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky, in a post on his official social media page, said:
“If Russia continues to put forward unrealistic conditions and undermine progress, there must be tough consequences.”
He also stressed that Ukraine is open to negotiations, but only if Russia is ready to act in good faith.
On Monday, Trump revealed he had spoken separately with both Zelensky and Putin, and that peace talks would begin “immediately.” However, Putin only offered to work on a “memorandum on a possible future peace agreement” and did not agree to a 30-day ceasefire as requested by Ukraine and its allies.
Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova, said the next move was up to Ukraine, but Kremlin spokesperson, Dmitry Peskov, downplayed expectations, saying: “There are no deadlines and there cannot be any.”
In response to the ongoing conflict, the European Union and United Kingdom have announced new sanctions against Russia. The EU blacklisted nearly 200 more Russian oil tankers, warning Moscow of a “tougher response” if it refuses a truce. The UK also sanctioned 18 tankers and targeted Russian military suppliers, energy exports, and financial institutions.
Zelensky has been reaching out to Western leaders, including the Finnish president, to rally support and keep up the pressure on Moscow. He said Ukraine and its partners are working together to ensure that Russia is forced to “change its behaviour.”
Despite the diplomatic moves, fighting continues. Ukrainian officials reported 177 clashes in just 24 hours, with over 1,000 Russian casualties claimed. Over the weekend, Ukraine faced its largest drone attack since the conflict began.
German Defence Minister, Boris Pistorius, said:
“Putin is clearly playing for time. Unfortunately, we have to say he is not really interested in peace.”
Putin has already rejected a joint US-Ukrainian proposal for a 30-day ceasefire and refused Zelensky’s invitation for direct talks in Istanbul. Trump offered to attend if Putin would join, but the Russian leader declined.
Russia has previously announced temporary ceasefires, such as during its World War II victory celebrations, but Ukraine refused to participate, citing lack of trust. Even during a 30-hour Easter truce, both sides accused each other of breaking the agreement.
The war, which started in February 2022, shows no sign of ending soon. Zelensky insists that unless Russia is serious about peace, there must be “tough consequences.” For now, the world is watching to see if increased pressure from the West will change anything on the battlefield.
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