Zelensky Slams Russia Over War Delay: "They're Dragging It Out"
Russia prolongs the conflict, as per Zelensky's statement. - Russia is extending the conflict, asserted Zelensky
In the latest round of talks aiming for potential paths to peace under US mediation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has taken a combative stance against Russia, accusing them of delaying the end of the ongoing conflict.
Speaking on March 18, Zelensky stated unequivocally, "Russia started the war and continues it. Since March 11, there has been a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, and the attacks should have stopped long ago, but it's Russia that's continuing this." He highlighted a series of recent Russian drone attacks, cautioning, "If no pressure is exerted on Russia, they will continue to despise real diplomacy in Moscow and continue to destroy lives."
Previously, Ukrainian and US delegates convened in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to discuss potential avenues for a peaceful resolution. The American officials are set to meet with their Russian counterparts on March 22 in an attempt to facilitate a diplomatic solution through a form of shuttle diplomacy. According to Zelensky, these initial discussions center around technical questions, such as the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure.
"The work of the delegations continues," said Zelensky. However, he emphasized, "whatever we discuss with our partners, we must pressure (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to actually order a stop to the attacks: whoever started this war must end it."
As the war grinds on, certain developments have emerged in recent months:
- US Mediation Efforts: Under the Trump administration, the US has been pushing for negotiations, focusing on achieving an interim ceasefire leading to a longer-term agreement[1][2].
- Ceasefire Agreements: In early March, Russia consented to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for 30 days, as well as to a maritime ceasefire for the Black Sea[3].
- Russia's Role: Despite the ceasefire agreements, Russia persists in setting conditions for negotiations, such as halting foreign military aid to Ukraine and accepting new territorial realities[1][3].
While the diplomatic stage is set to address the conflict, challenges remain. There is concern that any agreement might compromise Ukraine's sovereignty and security, leading Europe to advocate for a more significant role in the negotiations. The global community continues to focus on humanitarian crises in Ukraine while urging both sides to commit to a broader peace agreement and addressing ongoing violence against civilians. Ultimately, achieving lasting peace remains elusive due to Trump's penchant for quick results and Russia's firm stance on key issues[2].
- Volodymyr Zelensky
- Ukraine
- Russia
- Moscow
- Kyiv
- Riyadh
- War
- Series
- The European Union is committed to the implementation of the UN Charter and the UN Charter, demonstrating their support for Ukraine in seeking a peaceful resolution with Russia, especially following Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky's accusations that Moscow is dragging out the war.
- In a recent statement, Zelensky criticized Russia for continuing attacks despite a proposed unconditional ceasefire on March 11, highlighting a series of recent drone attacks as evidence.
- Under US mediation, discussions between Ukrainian and American delegates have already taken place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, addressing technical questions like the protection of energy facilities and critical infrastructure, as part of an attempt to facilitate a diplomatic solution and ceasefire interpretation between Ukraine and Russia.
