Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a briefing, addressing Russia's response to the proposed ceasefire (Picture: Zelenskiy / Official)
The Ukrainian president has dismissed Russian President Vladimir Putin's response to ceasefire proposals, calling it a predictable attempt at manipulation.
In a statement on Telegram, Volodymyr Zelensky accused Moscow of setting preconditions designed to stall negotiations and ensure that a ceasefire does not happen.
His remarks came amid discussions about a possible ceasefire proposal involving the US.
Mr Zelensky claimed that Ukraine had accepted an unconditional ceasefire plan, covering air, sea, and frontline operations.
He added that the US had indicated its willingness to organise monitoring and verification mechanisms to ensure compliance, with support from European allies.
However, Mr Zelensky said that Mr Putin is deliberately obstructing the process.
"Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians.
"That's why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out 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."
Mr Zelensky emphasised that Ukraine remains committed to securing a lasting peace and that his government is prepared to work swiftly to address security concerns and end the war.
He noted that Ukraine had consulted its allies and was ready to engage constructively, in contrast to Russia's stance.
"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."
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Ukraine is ready to work as quickly and constructively as possible. We have discussed this with US representatives, and our European partners, as well as all our allies worldwide, are aware of it."
He called for increased international pressure on Russia, urging further sanctions that "will work" and greater coordination with Western partners to force Mr Putin to end the war.
The statement comes after the United States agreed to restore military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after having temporarily cut support following a tense in-person meeting between Trump and Zelensky in the White House.
The agreement was reached after more than eight hours of talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
