KIEV (Reuters) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Friday that he saw a good opportunity to end the war with Russia after Ukraine accepted a 30-day temporary ceasefire proposal, Moscow said that only certain conditions were met, and that was only agreed.
“At present, we have a great opportunity to end this war quickly. We have a reliable security understanding with our European partners,” Zelenskiy said on X.
“We are now close to the first step to end any war – silence.”
Addressing journalists, Zelenskiy urged the United States and other allies to put pressure on Moscow, reaffirming his belief that Russian President Vladimir Putin will delay the ceasefire for as long as possible.
Zelenskiy told the media: “If the United States had a strong reaction, they wouldn't let them play around.
He said that satellites and intelligence can be used to control the ceasefire on our 1,000-km (600-mile) frontline. Ukraine accepted a ceasefire after U.S. and Ukraine met in Saudi Arabia this week.
Zelenskiy also said officials at the meeting discussed the territorial issue, but solving the territorial issue would require a difficult dialogue.
“After the ceasefire, the territorial problem is the most difficult,” Zelenskiy said in a media briefing.
The war is in its fourth year, with Russian troops controlling nearly one-fifth of Ukrainian territory, and in recent months they have made steady progress in the eastern Donetsk region.
The Ukrainian president said: “The ceasefire reveals the way for both sides to end the war.
Moscow demanded Kiev to permanently occupy Russia's claimed territory, including Crimea and four other regions, and Ukraine's position refused.
Zelenskiy said he was discussing future security assurance and economic support with Kiev's allies, adding that 100% air defense cover would be needed in the peace agreement.
(Reported by Olena Harmash, edited by Cynthia Osterman)
