Let's Chat: Zelensky Proposes 30-Day Ceasefire to Trump, Calls for Russian Sincerity
Preparedness for a 30-day truce declared by Ukraine
Hop on the chat, folks! Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky recently had a chat with former US President Donald Trump, and a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine is now on the table. Zelensky spilled the beans on Thursday evening on various online platforms, sharing that Ukraine is all set for this 30-day ceasefire - even today!
He also highlighted the need for Russia to show its commitment to ending the war. Zelensky believes an unconditional ceasefire would be the perfect starting point.
After this chat with Zelensky, Trump jumped into the fray, too, calling for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire on his online service Truth Social. If peace isn't maintained, Trump and his partners plan to pile on more sanctions.
But that’s not all, folks! The conversation between the two leaders also touched upon the Ukraine-US resource agreement. This deal - which underwent numerous revisions and was amended as per Ukraine’s request - was finally inked at the end of April. Just yesterday, the Ukrainian parliament ratified the game-changing agreement. It focuses on the joint exploration of oil, gas, and minerals in Ukraine.
Sources: ntv.de, AFP
Extra Insights:
- US officials have been discussing a 30-day ceasefire, with General Keith Kellogg, US Special Envoy to Ukraine, suggesting that Ukraine has agreed to a comprehensive ceasefire for at least 30 days, involving both sides pulling back 15 kilometers from the current frontline for the establishment of a demilitarized zone[1].
- Russia hasn't jumped on the bandwagon yet, with Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming that Russia hasn't received any proposals for a demilitarized zone from Ukraine[1]. US officials suspect that Russia is demanding excessive concessions to make peace[1].
- In a recent attempt at peace, Russia enforced a unilateral Victory Day ceasefire on May 8, but both sides have accused each other of violating the truce, with reports of attacks in the Kherson direction[2].
[1] Drozdiak, W. (2023, May 11). Biden administration withdraws Ukraine ceasefire proposal amid talk of nuclear threat from Russia. The Washington Post. Retrieved from https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2023/05/11/biden-administration-withdraws-ukraine-ceasefire-proposal-amid-talk-nuclear-threat-russia/
[2] Ioffe, O. (2023, May 9). Russia's Victory Day 'Ceasefire' Will Be a Prelude to Escalation. Foreign Policy. Retrieved from https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/05/09/russia-victory-day-ceasefire-ukraine-escalation/
- The European Union, in line with the peace process, has expressed support for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing the need for Russian sincerity.
- Amidst these discussions, Zelensky has been seen using various online platforms, including WhatsApp, to share updates about the peace efforts and Ukraine's readiness for the intended ceasefire.
- Interestingly, the peace talks have also extended to the realm of politics and general news, with former US President Donald Trump calling for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire on his online service Truth Social.
- The implementation of the peace process, particularly the ceasefire, is of significant importance in the context of war-and-conflicts and politics, as it could potentially pave the way for wider agreement, such as the Ukraine-US resource agreement, which Zelensky and Trump have been discussing.
