Russia sets conditions that complicate ceasefire – Zelenskyy
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official)
Russia is making demands that complicate and prolong the proposed 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, as it seeks to continue the war, stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to Zelenskyy, he held talks with the Vatican’s Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin.
"I wished Pope Francis a recovery and thanked him for his prayers and moral support for our people, as well as for his efforts in helping return Ukrainian children deported by Russia," the President stated.
He noted that the Holy See had received a list of Ukrainians detained in Russian prisons and camps. Ukraine hopes the Vatican will assist in securing their release.
Zelenskyy stressed that a prisoner exchange and an unconditional 30-day ceasefire are key first steps toward a just and lasting peace, and Ukraine is ready to take them.
"The world now sees how Russia deliberately sets conditions that only complicate and delay the process because Russia is the only party that wants the war to continue and diplomacy to fail," he added.
US ceasefire proposal
The United States proposed a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine agreed to the proposal, but problems arose with Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin claimed he fears that within 30 days, Ukraine could mobilize new troops and receive additional Western weapons.
He also refuses to halt hostilities, alleging that Ukrainian forces are surrounded in the Kursk region.
