President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky stated that the implementation of a 30-day ceasefire, proposed following the negotiations in Jeddah, will depend on a strong U.S. response to Russia’s attempts to drag the process into unnecessary details.
This was stated by the head of state during a meeting with journalists, as reported by a Ukrinform correspondent.
“I believe there will definitely be a U.S. response. This is a typical game for the Russians. Before the full-scale war, Russia always said, ‘We are not going to occupy anyone. We do not want any war. But Ukrainians must follow the Minsk process.’ This ‘but’ is where they drag everything into details. I believe the same thing is happening now. And if there is a strong response from the United States, they won’t let Russia play this game. However, if there are actions that Russia does not fear, they will drag out the process,” Zelensky said.
He emphasized that the Russians will make every effort to bog down any negotiation process in unnecessary details.
“Russians say, for example, ‘We support a ceasefire, we have always been in favor, but…’ And after this ‘but,’ as they say, the devil is in the details. They begin to propose details to drag you into dialogue and delay certain processes. Delaying the end of the war or the ceasefire, which in this context is one of the first points of the plan to end the war,” the President explained.
According to him, strong American actions in response to Russian demands could include sanctions.
“First of all, sanctions. I also think we will discuss whether there can be strong support for Ukraine. So far, the intelligence sharing and aid that was previously halted has been restored. At the moment, we are not talking about any new significant support from the U.S. I believe this will depend on how this step regarding the 30-day ceasefire ends,” Zelensky stated.
As reported by Ukrinform, on Tuesday in Jeddah (Saudi Arabia), a meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian delegations took place. The parties issued a joint statement following the meeting.
The document stated that Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept the U.S. proposal for an immediate, temporary 30-day ceasefire, which could be extended by mutual agreement, provided that Russia accepts it and complies with the terms simultaneously.
Following the negotiations, the U.S. announced the resumption of aid to Ukraine and intelligence sharing.
Photo: Office of the President
Source: Zelensky: 30-day ceasefire depends on strong U.S. response to Russia's demands
