Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated on Thursday that Russian President Vladimir Putin is reluctant to directly reject a ceasefire proposal and is attempting to delay or prevent it by imposing conditions. Zelenskiy expressed in his evening address that Putin fears informing President Trump of his intentions to prolong the conflict and harm Ukrainians.
Zelenskiy highlighted that Moscow's conditions on the ceasefire are designed to obstruct any progress or prolong the conflict indefinitely. He mentioned that the United States has shown willingness to facilitate monitoring and verification of the ceasefire, stating, "This is feasible with the resources of America and Europe."
Zelenskiy emphasized that a ceasefire would provide an opportunity to address long-term security concerns, establish a durable peace, and present a plan to end the war.