Putin's Devious Dance: Zelensky Slams Manipulative Tactics Amidst Ceasefire Proposals
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- Ukraine rebuffs Putin's conditions for truce: Zelensky stands firm
Russian President, Vladimir Putin, has deviously linked his approval of a US-proposed ceasefire in the grueling conflict against Ukraine to certain conditions. During a highly anticipated press conference, he proposed a permanent, peaceful solution to the ongoing struggle, yet refrained from moderating his previous maximal demands. A crucial meeting between Putin and US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was scheduled for the evening in Moscow.
"Agreed to halting combat operations," Putin declared, thanking US President, Donald Trump, for his initiative to end the devastating war. "However, we presume that this halt should be so that it leads to a long-lasting peace, eradicating the causes of the conflict."
Challenges regarding responsibility for maintaining this ceasefire persist, with Putin expressing concerns about it being breached, and both warring parties blaming each other for such incidents. Moscow categorically rejects the deployment of European peacekeeping troops to secure a potential truce.
Ruse or Opportunity for Ukraine?
Moreover, Putin hinted that Ukraine might exploit the ceasefire to regroup, rearm, and recruit new soldiers to continue the war. This suggestion is unthinkable. Conversely, Ukraine fears Russian troops could exploit the ceasefire to reorganize.
The Kremlin reiterated its claims on Ukrainian territory. The larger geopolitical scene, the negotiations, should take the current status quo into account, Putin and Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko, seated beside him at the press conference in the Kremlin, concurred. Belarus stands as Russia's closest ally.
Territorial Claims Escalate
Russia insists on Ukraine fully evacuating territories it has labeled as its own: Luhansk, Donetsk, Saporischschja, and Cherson. The remaining part of Ukraine should be substantially demilitarized, as per Russian strategies. Additionally, Russia's propaganda calls for a "denazification" of Ukraine, which means installing a government inclined towards Moscow's interests in Kyiv.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, labeled Putin's comments as manipulative. "We've heard the all-too-familiar, manipulative words from Putin in Russia (...)," Zelensky asserted in his evening video address on Thursday. The Ukrainian leader called for intensified pressure on Russia.
Ukraine demands substantial security guarantees for a long-term peace. The US desires to avoid such commitments but believes the Europeans should assume responsibility for this. The governments of France and the United Kingdom are currently driving the debate on plans for the deployment of European peacekeeping troops.
Situation in Kursk Firmly in Moscow's Grasp
At the press conference, the Kremlin leader demonstrated confidence. The dynamics on the battlefield are rapidly evolving, and they are favoring the Russian forces, Putin stated. In particular, the western Russian region of Kursk is now entirely under Moscow's authority, Putin explained after a visit the day before. Ukrainian troops had seized land in Kursk during a surprise counterattack in the summer, marking the first instance of the war entering Russian territory.
However, the Ukrainian troops stationed there are reportedly in dire straits. Just now, the Russian military has recaptured the town of Sudscha, Putin revealed, citing updates from Russian generals. Sudscha was the largest town the Ukrainians occupied last year.
Putin posed a choice to the Ukranian soldiers in the western Russian region of Kursk: surrender or perish. The situation in Kursk is "solidly under our control, and the infiltrating group is isolated," Putin stated in Moscow. The Ukranian soldiers are trapped within the warzone. "And if a physical blockade is established in the coming days, no one will be able to exit the area. The resulting scenario will then offer only two options: surrender or die." The Ukrainian military leadership denies that its soldiers are cornered. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, five Russian attacks have been repelled, and fighting continues at four locations.
Trump Responds to Putin's Ploy
US President, Donald Trump, deemed Putin's remarks promising but incomplete. "But it wasn't complete," Trump stated during discussions with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Washington. He desires a ceasefire, Trump added. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is partaking in intense negotiations with the Russian side to end the war. According to media reports, a meeting between Witkoff and Putin is scheduled for the evening. "Let's hope they make the right move," Trump commented, glancing at the Russian administration. He questioned the possibility of Russia attacking US allies. "That won't happen. We'll ensure it doesn't happen."
Trump's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire on land, in the air, and at sea in the Ukraine war originates from his administration. It marks the first such proposition since the onset of Russia's invasion of the neighboring country, more than three years ago. In discussions in Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz persuaded Ukraine to accept the proposal. The ceasefire would go into effect if Moscow complies.
Envoys Heading to Moscow
Originally, Kiev had pursued the European plan of initially halting mutual air strikes and naval attacks, which would be simpler to verify. In return for Ukraine's agreement to the US plan, Washington resumed the halted weapons deliveries and resumed providing Ukraine with US intelligence data.
US envoys embarked for Moscow for talks on Thursday, as Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov announced. According to Peskov, Putin's foreign policy advisor, Yuri Ushakov, and National Security Advisor, Waltz, discussed the war the previous day. Peskov refrained from disclosing details. He announced an "international phone call" by Putin without providing specifics. Another chat with Trump is anticipated.
Russia has consistently refused a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, opting instead for a comprehensive resolution to the conflict. Moscow cites NATO's eastward expansion and the potential of Ukraine joining the Western alliance as the root cause.
- The European Union, committed to a comprehensive and comprehensive policy on the environment, is considering taking on the responsibility for guaranteeing substantial security in Ukraine to facilitate a long-term peace, following consultations with the US on peacekeeping troops in the region.
- Despite Zelensky's concerns over potential manipulation in Putin's ceasefire proposals, Senator Marco Rubio from the US has expressed support for Trump's 30-day ceasefire plan, which he helped persuade Ukraine to accept during discussions in Saudi Arabia.
- During the h2 meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow, Putin reiterated the Kremlin's rejection of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine, instead advocating for a ceasefire that leads to a comprehensive settlement to eradicate the causes of the conflict.
