Zelenskyy states what unconditional ceasefire depends on

The U.S. and Europe continuously call on both Russia and Ukraine for at least a temporary truce. However, achieving an unconditional ceasefire in the Russian-Ukrainian war has not yet been possible, although Ukraine is prepared to implement a ceasefire in any format.

This was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a conversation with journalists.

The President emphasizes that the term “unconditional ceasefire” implies no combat actions, shelling, or airstrikes from either side without the imposition of any conditions.

“A ceasefire means no strikes on our territory. And accordingly, no mirrored responses. Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire, and if this ceasefire is partial, then we are prepared for mirrored measures. If there are no attacks on the energy sector, we don’t strike the energy sector in return. And similarly, if there are no strikes with long-range weapons, Ukraine does not use long-range weapons,” Zelenskyy explained.

He reiterated that Ukraine is ready for an unconditional ceasefire at sea, in the sky, and along the front line, and is also ready for mirrored steps in response. At the same time, the President reminded who ultimately determines whether a ceasefire is possible.

“Definitely, this [ceasefire — ed.] primarily depends on Putin’s willingness. Putin demonstrated on Easter that if they want to reduce strikes, they do so. They did reduce them, but we are still far from an unconditional ceasefire. However, we have seen who the source of the war is — everyone has seen it,” Zelenskyy stated.

According to him, during Putin’s “Easter Truce,” the Russians reduced the number of assaults on the front line, although fighting continued in many sectors. The occupiers also used FPV drones, but there were no long-range weapon strikes.

“This happened specifically on Easter, but before and right after that, they used everything they had. Last night’s drone and missile strikes, today’s use of guided bombs on civilian infrastructure, and their justification that these were military targets — all of this shows they officially admitted to killing civilians in Kryvyi Rih, in Sumy region, and in Odesa,” the President emphasized.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy added that the U.S. is conducting negotiations with Ukraine and Europe, as well as with the Russians. Therefore, to achieve the unconditional ceasefire that Ukraine has already agreed to, Russia must also “respond positively” to this proposal.