Volodymyr Zelensky denounces the short truces proposed by Vladimir Putin
Speaking on Friday evening to a small group of journalists, including those of the France-Presse agency (AFP), the Ukrainian president, Volodymyr Zelensky, said that he did not want ” play “ With the short truces proposed by his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, including a cease-fire from May 8 to 10, estimating these deadlines too short to lead serious talks.
“It is impossible to agree on something in three, five or seven days. Let’s be honest. It is a theatrical performance on his part [à Vladimir Poutine]. In two or three days, it is impossible to find a plan to establish the next steps to finish the war. It doesn’t seem serious ”said the Ukrainian president.
“No one will help Putin playing this kind of game to give a sweet atmosphere to its isolation release, May 9, and make Putin leaders, friends and partners will come to the Red Square, for a reason or another”he added.
This year, the leaders of around twenty countries must be held alongside Mr. Putin on May 9 for the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany, including the Chinese president, Xi Jinping, and the Brazilian president, Luiz Inacio Lula Da Silva, as well as those of traditional Allies of Moscow, such as Kazakhstan, Belarus, Cuba or Venezuela.
Mr. Zelensky also said that kyiv could not guarantee “Security” international leaders present. “We don’t know what Russia will do on this date. It could take different measures, such as fires, explosions, and then accuse us ”advanced the Ukrainian president. kyiv asks “A total and unconditional ceasefire” As a prerequisite for any negotiation with Russia, which repeats being ready to negotiate with Ukraine, but is however reluctant to a prolonged truce.
Because Moscow, whose army currently has the advantage on the front, says it fears that a cease-fire will allow kyiv to regain strength, with the military support of his allies. Previously, Vladimir Putin had announced a short truce during the Easter weekend.
The White House argued on Monday that Donald Trump wanted a ceasefire « permanent » in Ukraine and not only a temporary truce such as that announced by Mr. Putin for three days, from May 8 to 10. Mr. Zelensky estimated on Friday evening that his meeting with the American president in the Vatican, April 26, had allowed the latter to see “A little differently” conflict in Ukraine.
