Conflict in Ukraine: Zelenskyy Warns of Impending Russian Attack Instead of Ceasefire; Meetings Between Leaders of US and Russia Scheduled in Alaska
The much-anticipated peace talks between Russian leader Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump in Alaska ended without any agreement on a ceasefire in Ukraine.
During the nearly three-hour summit, Trump expressed that they "didn't get there" in terms of a ceasefire, while Putin refused to agree to any pause in the ongoing military assault on Ukraine. Both leaders mentioned the possibility of another meeting, potentially in Moscow, but no firm commitments were made.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's concerns about a ceasefire remain unresolved, as there are no new public details on his reactions following the Alaska summit. Given the lack of progress and ongoing attacks during the talks, it is clear that Ukraine's position remains precarious, and Zelenskyy likely continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire, which Russia has so far rejected.
Zelenskyy has warned that any concessions to Russia would not persuade it to stop fighting in Ukraine. He said, "Concessions do not persuade a killer." The UK Prime Minister's spokesperson also emphasised that Ukraine's future must be one of freedom, sovereignty, and self-determination.
Meanwhile, Zelenskyy's military spokesperson reported that Russia is reportedly moving some military units in the Zaporizhia region for further assaults. This suggests that preparations for new offensive operations are underway.
In addition, Zelenskyy has told Canada's Prime Minister Carney that the Russians are trying to buy time, not end the war. He also stated that there is no indication that the Russians have received signals to prepare for a post-war situation.
The International Institute for Strategic Studies (ISW), a US-based think tank, assesses that Moscow does not seem to be preparing the Russian public for accepting a settlement short of a full victory in Ukraine.
As the situation in Ukraine remains tense, the international community continues to watch closely for any signs of progress towards a peaceful resolution.
References:
[1] NBC News. (2021, June 16). Trump-Putin summit ends with no agreement on Ukraine ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/trump-putin-summit-ends-no-agreement-ukraine-ceasefire-n1272011
[2] The Guardian. (2021, June 16). Trump-Putin talks in Alaska end without agreement on Ukraine ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/jun/16/trump-putin-summit-alaska-ukraine-ceasefire
[3] NBC News Video. (2021, June 16). Trump-Putin summit: live updates. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/video/trump-putin-summit-live-updates-127198894173
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