Key Takeaways
- Ukraine prepared to take de-escalatory steps if Russia does the same.
- US President Donald Trump pushed for a halt to strikes on critical infrastructure.
- Zelensky highlighted US proposal but noted lack of Russian sincerity.
Ukraine is prepared to take de-escalatory steps if Russia does the same, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky. In his daily address, Zelensky emphasized a strong proposal from the United States regarding a mutual halt to strikes on critical infrastructure.
The United States, under President Donald Trump, has been advocating for an end to attacks on energy targets. Trump stated that Kyiv and Moscow had agreed to not hit energy targets, aligning with the US position.
Zelensky, however, maintained that Ukraine sees pressure on Russia due to precise responses against its war economy. He noted, 'so far no one has seen any genuine desire from Russia to move toward ending the war.'
The US President had previously pushed for a ceasefire in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, but this effort was sidelined by the US-Israeli war against Iran, now in its seventh month.
Zelensky highlighted the importance of mutual de-escalation, stating, 'If this can become the first de-escalatory step – stopping Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure, and ours in response – then Ukraine is ready to support de-escalation.'
The US proposal, while well-intentioned, faces challenges due to ongoing tensions with Iran. Trump had told Zelensky not to allow attacks on Russia’s diesel refineries, aiming to stabilize the global fuel market.
Despite the challenges, Zelensky remains committed to finding a peaceful resolution, stating, 'But if our American partners succeed in securing a real readiness from Russia to stop this war of destroying lives, and to do so sincerely and for the long term, Ukraine will make its own de-escalatory steps.'
If this can become the first de-escalatory step – stopping Russian strikes on our critical infrastructure, and ours in response – then Ukraine is ready to support de-escalation.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
We see that the Russians are feeling pressure because of our precise responses against Russia’s war economy.
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine
