Zelensky calls Russia's short truce proposal an insult

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sharply criticized Russia's proposal for a "2-3-day ceasefire." In his opinion, such proposals are not aimed at stopping the war, but only at a temporary break, which means disregarding human life.

"They are proposing to stop fighting for two or three days and collect the bodies of fallen soldiers from the battlefield. I understand this only one way - they are fools. Because a ceasefire is needed to prevent deaths. And with such proposals, they are only thinking about a short break in the war," Zelensky explained his position.

Sanctions and diplomatic pressure are Zelensky's main proposal

The Ukrainian leader also called on the United States to further increase sanctions pressure on Russia. According to him, only strong economic and political pressure can push Russia towards peace.

"Russia does not yet understand diplomatic language. They can only be put under severe pressure. Therefore, the international community should further strengthen sanctions against them," Zelensky said.

We need a real proposal, not an ultimatum

The Ukrainian president stressed that he had not personally seen the text of the memorandum presented by Russia at the Istanbul talks. However, based on information received from the delegation, he assessed the document as "a set of ultimatums, not weighty proposals."

It should be recalled that during the talks in Istanbul, the head of the Russian delegation, Vladimir Medinsky, proposed a 2-3-day cessation of hostilities at some points on the front. According to Medinsky, this proposal was related to the safe removal of the bodies of the fallen soldiers, as well as high temperatures and sanitary conditions.

Conclusion

The negotiations between Ukraine and Russia are entering a new stage. However, judging by Zelensky's open statement, Kiev is ready to view the ceasefire only as a genuine peace gesture. Short breaks and time to heal wounds are of no strategic importance to him. So, for now, confrontational approaches are prevailing, not diplomatic progress.