‘Ukraine is ready, but we do not trust them’
After a phone call with US President Donald Trump and several European leaders, Ukrainian President Volodimir Zelancesi raised the voice of uncertainty to lack of confidence in Russia’s readiness, citing lack of confidence in Moscow’s intentions. “I do not know the principles from the Russian side,” Zelancesi said. “As I understood from our dialogue with US President Trump, the Russian side wants to send us a memorandum of how they see the principles, and they not only want to see a ceasefire; they want some more principles.” Welcoming Trump’s proposal, Zelancesi said without pre -pre -condition for a complete ceasefire, “I was very happy when President Trump proposed a full ceasefire without any condition or pre -pre -condition.” We are ready for this. So these are our principles: ceasefire and then other steps, exchange of prisoners. , However, the Ukrainian President insisted that faith is a major obstacle. “I really trust that everyone is very interested in a ceasefire. A lot of disadvantages; we really want to end this war. I am not sure that Russia is ready and we do not trust them. And that’s what we want to them: a ceasefire, in the first phase, to show that they are ready to stop war really.” He said that he maintains close contact with international partners. “I always share with all my partners, with the United States, with Europeans …” Zelansky’s comment follows Trump’s announcement that Russia and Ukraine would begin a “immediate” conversation towards a ceasefire, offering to host the Vatican talks. The previous efforts, including the Istanbul round, failed to produce permanent results despite an agreement to exchange prisoners.
