US should reject any Russian "buts" in Ukraine ceasefire talks — Zelensky
Фото: REUTERS / Nicolas Maeterlinck
The United States should not accept any Russian "buts" regarding a ceasefire in Ukraine.
This was reported by Rubryka, citing a statement from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a briefing.
Zelensky emphasized that it is crucial for the United States to reject any Russian preconditions on the ceasefire issue. He described the ceasefire as an opportunity for all parties to demonstrate whether they genuinely seek to end the war or intend to continue it.
"This is not forever—just 30 days of silence—a chance for all sides to show a real desire to end the war or, on the contrary, to continue it," Zelensky stressed.
What is known about the temporary truce between Ukraine and Russia?
On March 11, delegations from Ukraine and the United States met in Saudi Arabia, where they reached several agreements. Among the topics discussed was Washington's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire along the front line. Kyiv expressed its readiness to take this step.
On March 12, White House Chief of Staff Donald Trump confirmed that an American delegation was traveling to Russia to discuss the possibility of a temporary ceasefire.
Following the Saudi Arabia talks, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine had agreed to the ceasefire and that the next move was up to Russia.
Meanwhile, according to Reuters, citing informed sources, Russia has presented the United States with a list of demands for ending the war against Ukraine and resetting relations with Washington. The contents of the list remain unknown, as does Moscow's willingness to engage in peace talks with Kyiv before these demands are met.
On March 13, Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stated that Russia is not interested in a temporary ceasefire, claiming it would serve as a "respite for the Ukrainian military."
Putin himself acknowledged the US proposal to halt hostilities, saying he agreed in principle but insisted that any ceasefire must lead to "long-term peace." However, he mentioned there were "nuances," particularly regarding the Kursk region of Russia.
