Authority Solicits Strategy Proposal for a Legislative Directive Regarding a Specific Matter
In a blunt statement, Lavrov lays out Russia's non-negotiable terms.
The latest headlines suggest U.S. President Donald Trump desires Russian leader Vladimir Putin to endorse a peace deal in the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Trump expresses his expectations: "I want him to stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal." According to Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky could potentially relinquish the Crimean Peninsula, effectively breaching a longstanding norm.
- Trump hints at Zelensky's potential concessions
- Trump reveals his demands from Putin
Moscow's Hardline Stance
Following these remarks, Moscow has made its position unmistakably clear. They will engage in genuine negotiations only if the currently occupied territories are globally acknowledged as belonging to Russia.
"International endorsement of the affiliation of Crimea, the Donetsk People's Republic, the Luhansk People's Republic, the Kherson region, and the Zaporizhzhia region to Russia is an absolute necessity," declared Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Monday. It's important to note that Putin's forces have yet to seize these territories entirely, with some regions still under Ukrainian control.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov had previously indicated an openness to negotiating with Ukraine without preconditions.
Selenskyj Charges Moscow with West Deception
Selenskyj persists in accusing Russia of deceit in their pursuit of an end to the war. "The Russians chatter endlessly about their supposed readiness to accept American proposals, but so far, there's no evident proof of the Russian military preparing for a genuine ceasefire," Selenskyj stated in his post-Easter video address. Russia, he claims, has resumed its attacks since the holiday.
"And each day of continued conflict along the front line demonstrates that Russia is indeed attempting to deceive the global community, mislead the USA, and prolong this war," Selenskyj further asserted. Since March 11's preliminary talks for a potential peace treaty in Jeddah, Russia has utilized more than 8,500 aircraft bombs, 200 types of rockets, and over 3,000 kamikaze drones against Ukraine. "This must halt, Russia must end these attacks - unequivocally."
Selenskyj reiterated his demand for increased international pressure on Russia. Only under the weight of global pressure can the Russians be compelled to undertake all necessary measures to bring an end to the war. The USA is particularly singled out.
Ukrainian Willingness for Unconditional Ceasefire
During the funeral proceedings for Pope Francis in Rome, Selenskyj held one-on-one discussions with Trump, French President Emmanuel Macron, Italian Prime Minister Georgia Meloni, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. After the meetings, he emphasized that Ukraine is prepared for an unconditional ceasefire. Now, it's Russia's turn to accept this proposition.
- Donald Trump suggests Zelensky might concede the Crimean Peninsula, but Lavrov asserts that Moscow will only negotiate if the occupied territories are globally acknowledged as belonging to Russia.
- Trump expresses his desire for Putin to stop the violence, sign a peace deal, and return Crimea, while Zelensky accuses Russia of deception and resuming attacks since Easter.
- Zelensky calls for increased international pressure on Russia, stating that an unconditional ceasefire is now expected from them, following discussions with Trump, Macron, Meloni, and von der Leyen.
- In light of these developments, it seems both leaders, Putin and Zelensky, are ready to engage in politics surrounding war-and-conflicts, with general news outlets closely watching for signs of a potential ceasefire agreement.
