Kyiv/Moscow, March 13, 2025 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of attempting to extend the war, following Moscow’s dismissal of a US-backed ceasefire proposal. The Ukrainian leader urged the United States to increase pressure on Russia to bring an end to the prolonged conflict.
Zelenskyy Calls for US Pressure on Russia
Zelenskyy, in a statement on social media, pointed out that Russia had yet to provide a “meaningful response” to the ceasefire proposal. “For more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made,” Zelenskyy said.
He further added, “This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible. We hope that US pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war.”
Russia Dismisses Ceasefire as a ‘Reprieve’ for Ukraine
Earlier, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov rejected the US-Ukraine ceasefire plan, stating that Moscow viewed the proposed 30-day ceasefire as “nothing more than a short reprieve for Ukrainian forces.”
In an interview with Russian state television, Ushakov remarked, “Steps that merely imitate peaceful actions are not needed by anyone in this situation.” His statement indicated Russia’s unwillingness to halt military operations in Ukraine temporarily.
US and Russian Officials to Discuss Ceasefire
The latest development comes as US and Russian officials prepare to meet in Moscow to discuss the proposed ceasefire agreement. US President Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Moscow for negotiations with Russian officials.
Trump had previously stated that he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept the 30-day ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, Ukraine had expressed its full support for the US-backed initiative.
Concerns Over Ukraine’s Position in the War
With Russia making territorial gains in Ukraine in recent months, fears have grown that Ukraine, which has received consistent support from Western nations, might lose strategic ground if the war continues. The US is pushing for a peace deal to bring an end to the three-year-long conflict, but Moscow’s reluctance to agree to the ceasefire raises concerns about the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on Moscow and Washington to see whether diplomatic negotiations can bring about a breakthrough or if the war in Ukraine will persist with no immediate resolution in sight.
