**Ukraine’s President Slams Russia’s Proposal for Brief Ceasefire**
In a press conference held on June 2, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky spoke out against Russia’s proposal to establish a temporary two- to three-day ceasefire in specific areas of the front line. The proposed truce is meant to allow for the retrieval of fallen soldiers’ bodies from the battlefield.
According to Russian presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, Moscow’s delegation to the peace talks in Istanbul suggested the brief pause in hostilities. However, President Zelensky rejected this proposal as a sign of Russia’s lack of commitment to a genuine ceasefire.
“It’s not just about retrieving the dead,” Zelensky said during the press conference. “They’re trying to show us that they can afford a 2-3 day pause in the war. That’s their way of saying, ‘We’re not interested in a ceasefire.'”
Zelensky emphasized that Ukraine is seeking a real cessation of hostilities, not just a brief lull in fighting. He called on the United States to apply decisive pressure on Russia through sanctions, citing the country’s reluctance to understand any other way.
**US President Weighs In on Ceasefire Proposal**
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump weighed in on the situation, saying that his administration would soon know whether Russian President Vladimir Putin is serious about ending the war. If not, he warned, Washington would take a stronger stance against Russia.
Trump stated that while he had not yet imposed new sanctions on Russia, he was prepared to do so if Moscow continued to stall further. He also mentioned that lifting some existing sanctions could be considered in the event of a full ceasefire, provided Russia adheres to its terms and does not violate them.
**Ukraine’s Official Proposal**
In contrast to Russia’s proposal for a brief truce, Ukraine’s official plan calls for a more comprehensive approach to establishing peace. According to the plan obtained by the Kyiv Independent on June 2, existing sanctions against Russia could be lifted in the event of a full ceasefire. However, this would only happen if Russia meets all the terms and does not break them.
Independent journalism needs a community — not a paywall.
We’re working hard to show the world the truth of Russia’s brutal war — and we’re keeping it free for everyone, because reliable information should be available to all.
Our goal: reach 20,000 members to prove independent journalism can survive without paywalls, billionaires, or compromise. Will you help us do it?
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
