Kyiv, Ukraine – May 20, 2025 — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has openly accused Russia of deliberately stalling peace negotiations in an attempt to prolong its ongoing military aggression in Ukraine. Speaking amid mounting international pressure for a ceasefire, Zelenskyy warned that Moscow’s refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue is a calculated move to "buy time" and continue its war campaign.
Zelenskyy's remarks come in the wake of a rejected U.S.-brokered proposal for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire. While Ukraine had accepted the terms, Russia responded with demands that Ukraine renounce its NATO ambitions and withdraw from territories in the eastern regions currently under Russian occupation.
“It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue its war,” said Zelenskyy. “They are not serious about peace. They are using negotiations as a smokescreen to regroup and escalate.”
International Response and Sanctions on Russia
In response to Russia’s refusal, both the European Union and the United Kingdom have introduced a fresh wave of sanctions targeting Russia’s oil exports and shadow financial networks that fuel its war efforts. The new sanctions aim to undermine Russia’s ability to sustain its military operations and to pressure Moscow into genuine peace negotiations.
British Foreign Secretary Annalise Morgan stated, “Russia must understand that there are real consequences for manipulating diplomacy. We stand with Ukraine and demand a true path to peace.”
Tensions Rise After Trump-Putin Phone Call
Adding to the tension, a recent phone call between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin has drawn criticism from Kyiv and its allies. According to reports, Trump has backed away from further sanctions on Moscow and indicated that ceasefire terms should be decided solely between Ukraine and Russia — a stance viewed as undermining collective international efforts.
European leaders, wary of a shift in U.S. foreign policy, have since intensified their own diplomatic campaigns to ensure continued Western support for Ukraine.
Zelenskyy Urges Global Unity for Real Peace
Zelenskyy has urged the international community to maintain a united front, stressing that any delay in pressuring Russia could allow it to further entrench its military presence in Ukraine.
“Without a strong, unified response, Russia will exploit diplomatic talks as a battlefield tactic,” Zelenskyy warned.
The Ukrainian President continues to advocate for direct, realistic negotiations underpinned by international oversight, emphasizing that Ukraine will not compromise on its sovereignty or future security.
0 Comments