**Russia Uses Peace Talks to Stall US Sanctions, Zelensky Says**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of using peace negotiations as a way to avoid tougher sanctions from the United States. In an interview with German tabloid Bild on June 12, Zelensky said that Russia’s goal is not to achieve peace but to buy time until stronger sanctions are introduced.
Russia has been rejecting a full ceasefire despite initiating two rounds of peace talks in Istanbul – first on May 16 and then again on June 2. While these negotiations resulted in agreements on prisoner exchanges, they failed to deliver progress towards ending hostilities. Meanwhile, Russia has continued to ramp up ground offensives and launch massive attacks on Ukrainian cities.
According to Zelensky, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s strategy is to maintain the illusion of dialogue while stalling for time. “It’s important for them to show Trump that there is a diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and Russia,” Zelensky said, adding that this would allow Russia to avoid sanctions while talks are ongoing.
**Russia Seeks to Delay Sanctions**
Zelensky warned that Moscow’s ultimate goal is not peace but buying time. He believes that Putin feels his economy is suffering and wants to gain more time until stronger sanctions are introduced. The Ukrainian president also argued that the slow implementation of sanctions gave Russia time to adapt its economy and defense sector.
The US has been hesitant to impose new sanctions on Russia, despite previous warnings from President Donald Trump. However, critics, including Zelensky, argue that this slow implementation of sanctions allowed Russia to adjust and avoid significant economic damage.
**Sanctions Remain a Possibility**
Despite the delay in imposing sanctions, they remain a possibility if progress is not made. Trump has repeatedly said he is monitoring the situation and hinted that sanctions could come soon if Russia continues to stall. A bipartisan bill in the US Senate that would impose harsh tariffs on countries buying Russian oil remains on hold as lawmakers await Trump’s signal.
**The Importance of Independent Journalism**
In a separate message, the Kyiv Independent highlighted the importance of independent journalism, which relies on community support rather than paywalls. The news organization is working hard to show the world the truth about Russia’s brutal war and keeping its reporting free for everyone.
As Zelensky said in his interview with Bild, “Reliable information should be available to all.” Let’s continue to stand behind independent journalism and support organizations like the Kyiv Independent that bring us accurate and unbiased news from around the world.
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