Ukraine’s Zelensky says Russia seems more inclined now to a ceasefire
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (front, centre) visiting front-line positions in Ukraine's Kharkiv region on Aug 4
PHOTO: AFP
Follow topic:
- Zelensky noted Russia seems "more inclined" to a ceasefire in Ukraine, but warns against being deceived by Moscow.
- Trump's envoy met with Putin, achieving "great progress," though specifics remain unclear and sanctions are still expected.
- Zelensky stresses Ukraine will defend its independence and seeks a "lasting and reliable peace," urging Russia to end the war.
AI generated
KYIV - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Aug 6 that Russia seemed “more inclined” to a ceasefire, but details of a potential deal are of great significance and neither Ukraine nor the US should be deceived by Moscow.
President Donald Trump said his special envoy Steve Witkoff’s meeting with Russian leader Vladimir Putin on Aug 6 delivered “great progress”, but Mr Trump gave no specifics.
Following the meeting, Mr Zelensky had a call with Mr Trump, joined by European allies.
“Ukraine will definitely defend its independence. We all need a lasting and reliable peace. Russia must end the war that it itself started,” Mr Zelensky said on X.
Mr Trump, who has signalled frustration with Mr Putin in recent weeks and has given the Russian president until Aug 8 to make peace with Ukraine or face tougher sanctions, hailed Mr Witkoff's visit as highly productive.
But a White House official said the secondary sanctions that Mr Trump has threatened against countries doing business with Russia were still expected to be implemented on Aug 8.
An executive order introducing additional 25 per cent tariffs on India
“The pressure on (Russia) works. But the main thing is that they do not deceive us in the details – neither us nor the US,” Mr Zelensky said.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire.
Russia, which now controls about a fifth of Ukrainian territory and proceeds with its advances on the eastern front, rejected the idea.
National security advisers from Ukraine and allied nations were to meet soon to work out a “joint stance”, Mr Zelensky added. REUTERS
