Zelenskyy: Putin lying to everyone and delaying decision on ceasefire

Zelenskyy, speaking at a meeting of European leaders, emphasized that the path to peace should start without preconditions. According to him, if Russia refuses, strong pressure must be applied until Moscow complies. The Ukrainian president stressed that Russia only understands the language of force.

"Since Tuesday, a proposal for a ceasefire has been on the table — a silence from war in the air, at sea, and on the frontlines. This is an American proposal — a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. In that time, without killings, it would truly be possible to negotiate all aspects of a real peace," Zelenskyy said.

Putin delays ceasefire

Zelenskyy pointed out that during the meeting, the parties discussed who is delaying the peace process and hindering its progress. According to him, it has now become clear. The Ukrainian president emphasized that a ceasefire could happen immediately, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it.

He stressed that Russian dictator Vladimir Putin is lying to everyone about the situation on the ground.

"Putin is lying to everyone about the situation on the ground, especially about what’s happening in the Kursk region, where our Ukrainian forces continue their operations. Our troops have also stabilized the situation on the front in the Donetsk region — specifically Pokrovsk. Putin is also lying about how a ceasefire is supposedly too complicated," said Zelenskyy.

The Ukrainian president noted that everything can be controlled, which was discussed with American partners. He emphasized that Putin had already delayed the war for almost a week after the talks in Jeddah and would continue doing so.

Zelenskyy stressed that this is Russia's war, which has lasted for more than three years with full-scale battles and destruction. Active pressure on Russia is needed to stop this conflict, not just negotiations. He believes decisive action is required to take the first steps toward ending the war.

Security guarantees for Ukraine

"This includes sanctions against Russia that must not only be maintained but continuously strengthened. I ask you to take these steps and to work with your partners on this. We must define a clear position on security guarantees. Security is key to making peace reliable and lasting," he said.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need to continue efforts to form contingents to serve as the foundation for future European Armed Forces. He noted that peace would be more reliable if European contingents were on the ground, with American support as a security guarantee.

The Ukrainian president also noted that there must be clear commitments on implementing this.

Weapons production

"The same applies to investments in defense production – both in Ukraine, where it is currently growing the fastest, and in European countries. Europe needs its own arsenals and the capability to produce the most advanced weapons. It shouldn’t take 3 to 5 years to produce ammunition when it’s about your defense and security. Please, do it as soon as possible," Zelenskyy stressed.

Zelenskyy urged not to forget about strengthening air defense, both in Ukraine and, in the future, in European countries. He emphasized that all countries need protection and thanked everyone who supports Ukraine in this regard.

"This is a very bad signal – taking Russia’s opinion into account regarding the contingent. The contingent must be stationed on Ukrainian soil. This is a security guarantee for Ukraine and a security guarantee for Europe. If Putin wants to bring some foreign contingent onto Russia’s territory, that’s his business. But it is not his business to decide anything about Ukraine’s and Europe’s security," the president noted.

Global unity for peace

Zelenskyy also stressed the need for unity not only among Europe and the G7 but also among all other countries worldwide for the sake of peace. He noted that many leaders have connections worldwide — in Latin America, Asia, Africa, and the Pacific region — and emphasized that Ukraine wants to end the war fairly. The Ukrainian president added that the world must understand that Russia is the only obstacle to peace.

"I ask you to talk to everyone – from Brazil to China, from African nations to Asian countries – about the fact that real peace is needed. Peace through strength. Peace through forcing Russia to take all necessary steps for the sake of peace," he added.

Zelenskyy noted that for years, Putin has been lying to the world, claiming he is not provoking or prolonging the war. However, when it came to the ceasefire, it became clear that the one making unnecessary demands and complicating the process is Putin himself.

"The path to peace must begin unconditionally. If Russia doesn’t want this, then strong pressure must be applied until they do. Moscow understands one language. I ask you to talk to America, to President Trump, to help bring peace faster. This can happen through full sanctions, strong pressure, and forcing Russia to make peace," Zelenskyy concluded.

Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia

On March 11, Ukrainian and US delegations met in Saudi Arabia. This happened after the heated exchange between Presidents Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on February 28.

The talks in Jeddah lasted eight hours. As a result, the US immediately resumed military aid and intelligence sharing to Ukraine.

Additionally, the US proposed a 30-day comprehensive ceasefire. Ukraine agreed to this. Before this, President Zelenskyy had proposed a ceasefire in the air and at sea.

Russian dictator Vladimir Putin claimed to support the US proposal but added that Ukraine would allegedly use this time for rearmament. To discuss the proposal, US Special Representative Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow but did not receive a clear response from Putin.