Summary:
Trump praises talks with Putin as 'good and productive' regarding the Ukraine ceasefire.
Zelensky accuses Putin of dragging out negotiations to prolong the war.
Putin has set tough conditions for peace, described as manipulative by Zelensky.
UK PM Sir Keir Starmer emphasizes the need for monitoring any ceasefire to ensure it is effective.
The White House believes both sides are closer to peace than ever.
US President Donald Trump has hailed the recent discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding a US-proposed ceasefire deal in Ukraine, describing them as "good and productive." This statement follows a meeting in Moscow between Putin and US envoy Steve Witkoff, which led to the Kremlin expressing a shared sense of cautious optimism about the peace process.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump expressed hope for a resolution, stating that the talks offer a "very good chance that this horrible, bloody war can finally come to an end." However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Putin of dragging out negotiations to prolong the conflict. Zelensky emphasized that Putin's tactics are designed to sabotage diplomacy by introducing unacceptable conditions before a ceasefire can be considered.
Earlier this week, Ukraine accepted the ceasefire deal proposed by the US, which Russia has yet to agree upon. Putin acknowledged the idea of a ceasefire but mentioned several nuances and tough conditions for peace, which Zelensky labeled as manipulative. He criticized Putin's strategy, asserting that it aims to prolong discussions while continuing military actions.
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer echoed Zelensky's concerns, stating that Putin's disregard for the ceasefire proposal indicates a lack of seriousness about achieving peace. He called for monitoring any potential ceasefire to ensure its effectiveness and suggested ramping up economic pressure on Russia if they do not comply.
In the meantime, Zelensky urged for stronger international pressure on Russia, particularly from the United States, claiming that Putin would not cease hostilities voluntarily. The White House remains optimistic, asserting that the two sides are closer to peace than ever. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt affirmed the productivity of the talks in Moscow and noted Trump's efforts to persuade Putin to act responsibly.
Trump also called for the protection of Ukrainian troops, warning of a potential massacre if the situation escalates further. Reports from Ukraine's armed forces refuted claims of encirclement by Russian troops, stating that operations are ongoing and troops are regrouping effectively.
In a recent meeting of G7 members in Quebec, participants expressed unanimous support for the US ceasefire proposal, emphasizing that the decision now lies with Russia. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted the need for a ceasefire with no conditions, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stressed the importance of negotiations over social media statements.
These developments underscore the ongoing complexities and challenges surrounding the Ukraine conflict, as global leaders seek pathways to peace amidst escalating tensions.
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