Kyiv [Ukraine], May 20 (ANI): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed doubt on Monday over Russia’s willingness to commit to a ceasefire, despite recent international calls—most notably from US President Donald Trump—for immediate negotiations to halt the ongoing conflict. Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s openness to a full ceasefire without preconditions but questioned Moscow’s sincerity in pursuing peace.
“I don’t know the principles from the Russian side. As I understood from our dialogue with US President Trump, the Russian side wants to send us a memo on how they see the principles, and they want to see not only a ceasefire; they want some more principles,” Zelenskyy stated during his address.
The Ukrainian leader reaffirmed that while his country has suffered heavy losses, it remains ready to bring an end to the war. However, he noted that trust in Russia remains a significant obstacle.
“I really count on it that everybody is very interested in a ceasefire. Too many losses; we really want to finish this war. I’m not sure that Russia is ready and we don’t trust them. And that’s what we want from them: a ceasefire, at the first step, to show that they’re really ready to stop the war,” Zelenskyy added.
President Zelenskyy also highlighted his ongoing consultations with international allies, including the United States and European nations. “I always share with all our partners, with the United States, with Europeans… I was very happy when President Trump proposed a full ceasefire without any conditions or preconditions. We’ve been ready for this. So these are our principles: ceasefire and then other steps, an exchange of prisoners,” he stated.
Zelenskyy’s comments followed a call with President Trump and various European leaders to discuss potential steps toward ending hostilities with Russia. Trump had earlier announced that Russia and Ukraine would “immediately” begin negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and possibly ending the war. The Vatican has since offered to host the talks, stepping in after the collapse of previous ceasefire discussions in Istanbul.
Despite a mutual agreement between Kyiv and Moscow to conduct prisoner exchanges, broader ceasefire efforts remain uncertain amid lingering doubts over Russia’s intentions. (ANI)
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