Highly predictable and manipulative: Zelenskyy reacts to Putin's words

The response of Russian president Vladimir Putin to the ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine supported, is predictable and manipulative. Essentially, the Kremlin's leader is preparing to reject the truce.

President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, said this in his evening address on Thursday, March 13.

According to him, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians. That’s why, he is surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions, so that the idea of a ceasefire couldn't be implemented for as long as possible.

"Putin does this often – he doesn’t say "no" outright, but he drags things out and makes reasonable solutions impossible. We see this as yet another round of Russian manipulation," the Ukrainian President said.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine accepted the American proposal for unconditional silence in the sky, at sea, and on the front lines.

"We have heard from the American side that there is readiness to organize monitoring and verification. And this is absolutely feasible – with American and European capabilities. And during the ceasefire, to prepare answers to all questions about long-term security and a real, lasting peace, and to put a plan to end the war on the table," he reminded.

The President assures that Ukraine is ready to work as quickly and constructively as possible, and the U.S. representatives, as well as the European partners are aware of it. 

"We are not setting conditions that complicate the process – Russia is. As we have always said, the only one stalling, the only one being unconstructive, is Russia. They need this war. Putin has stolen years of peace and continues this war day after day," Zelenskyy said.

The Ukrainian leader believes that pressure should be applied to the Russian president, including by imposing sanctions.

"We will continue working with our American partners, with European partners, with everyone in the world who wants peace, to force Russia to end the war," he promised.

Read also:

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