Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to speak with his American counterpart Donald Trump on Wednesday to “discuss some details of the next steps with him, and to hear the details of his conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin”, following their high-stakes conversation on the Ukraine war.
Speaking at a press conference in Helsinki alongside Finnish President Alexander Stubb, Zelenskyy expressed skepticism over Putin’s commitment to halting strikes on critical infrastructure, calling it “very much at odds with reality” after fresh Russian drone attacks.
Zelenskyy also added that Putin’s words on halting attacks are “insufficient” and need to be closely followed by actions, as he calls for “a control mechanism” to police the ceasefire, suggesting a role for the US.
He reiterated that Ukraine would not accept any territorial concessions, stating, “For us, the red line is the recognition of the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories as Russian. We will not go for it.”
During his call with Trump, Putin insisted that ending military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine must be a key condition for de-escalation. Trump, in turn, proposed a 30-day mutual freeze on strikes against energy and infrastructure targets, which Putin accepted.
Commenting on Trump’s efforts to bring about peace, as Zelenskyy said he hope for an unconditional ceasefire at some point.
“We hope that America will continue to work and pressure Russia … to implement everything,” he said, adding that an unconditional ceasefire would be “one of the initial steps towards peace.”
“I believe that this year, the war can end with a dignified peace, but the security guarantees are definitely needed, otherwise Putin will come with the war again. That is his essence,” he said.
Following the conversation, Trump posted on Truth Social that they had reached an “immediate ceasefire on all energy and infrastructure” with the aim of negotiating a full ceasefire and “ultimately, an end to this very horrible war between Russia and Ukraine.”
Putin also assured that Ukrainian soldiers who surrendered would be treated fairly under Russian law and international conventions, following Trump’s appeal to spare their lives.
Stay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram
