Zelenskyy: Putin has been unable to squeeze out a ‘yes’ to truce proposal for a week

Russian President Vladimir Putin has been refusing to accept a 30-day truce for a week. He is prolonging the war against Ukraine, according to the evening address of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The head of state reminded that tomorrow marks a week since the United States proposed a 30-day ceasefire in the air, at sea, and on the front lines to Ukraine and Russia. Such a proposal could have been implemented long ago.
"It has now been almost a week since it became absolutely clear to everyone in the world — even to those who refused to acknowledge the truth for the past three years — that it is Putin who continues and prolongs this war. It is Putin who has been unable to force out a simple 'yes' in response to the ceasefire proposal for a week," Zelenskyy emphasized.
He noted that an unconditional ceasefire proposal is essentially about saving lives. During this time, diplomats could work to ensure security and a lasting peace. However, Russia is ignoring this proposal.
"Pressure is needed so that Moscow finally realizes that their war must be brought to an end," the president added.
US ceasefire proposal
On Tuesday, March 11, US officials proposed a 30-day ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia during a meeting with Ukrainian representatives. Ukraine accepted the proposal.
However, Russia has not provided a final response. Moscow has put forward its own conditions under which it might agree to a truce.