Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected Russia’s proposal for a temporary ceasefire lasting two or three days, calling it a deceptive maneuver aimed at gaining time and avoiding new U.S. sanctions, Rks News reports.
In a direct statement, Zelensky dismissed Moscow’s intentions as political rather than humanitarian:
“I think they’re fools, because a ceasefire is meant to stop casualties, not manipulate time and international pressure,”
said the Ukrainian leader.
Zelensky reiterated Ukraine’s core demands:
- A full and unconditional ceasefire,
- The exchange of prisoners,
- The return of abducted civilians and children, and
- Preparations for a high-level summit between leaders.
He also urged the United States not to delay the next sanctions package against Russia, stressing that economic pressure is the only language Moscow understands. According to Zelensky, three months have passed since Ukraine first signaled support for a full ceasefire, which Russia has not reciprocated.
