**Russia’s Deceptive Tactics Prolong Ukraine War, Says Zelensky**
In a stark warning to the international community, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of trying to deceive the world, including the United States, in order to prolong its full-scale war in Ukraine. This comes as President Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the Vatican, where both leaders described their meeting as productive.
Speaking on April 27, President Zelensky said that Russia’s actions on the front line have shown no indication of preparing for a ceasefire. Instead, Moscow has resumed assaults across the front line, leading to devastating consequences for civilians and Ukrainian forces. “Every day of such battles at the front proves absolutely clearly that Russia is really trying to deceive the world — to deceive America and others — and to further drag out this war,” he said.
The Ukrainian President’s comments are a response to US President Trump’s recent questioning of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to the peace process. Trump had previously promised to end the war in Ukraine “in 24 hours” but later amended that to “100 days.” However, following his meeting with Zelensky, Trump seemed to backtrack on his earlier commitments, threatening to abandon the peace talks altogether if either side proved “difficult.”
**US Secretary of State Says Upcoming Week Crucial**
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has stated that the upcoming week will be crucial in deciding whether Washington will continue to engage in peace negotiations or withdraw from its role as a mediator. Rubio told NBC that the coming week would determine whether the US will shift its focus to other pressing issues.
**Alternative Peace Proposals Emerge**
In contrast to the US proposal, which has been criticized for being more favorable to Moscow, Ukraine and Europe have created an alternative peace proposal. This plan includes robust security guarantees for Ukraine and no promises of territorial concessions before a complete ceasefire is implemented. The Ukrainian President has called on the international community to put increased pressure on Russia to force an end to the attacks.
**Conclusion**
The war in Ukraine continues to be a complex and multifaceted conflict, with both sides refusing to give up their demands. As the international community watches, it becomes increasingly clear that the path to peace is fraught with challenges. The accusation by President Zelensky that Russia aims to deceive the world serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing human suffering caused by this brutal conflict.
**Deeper Analysis**
The US proposal for a ceasefire has been criticized for being too lenient, and it remains to be seen whether Washington will continue to pursue negotiations with Moscow. The alternative peace proposal put forth by Ukraine and Europe may hold more promise, but it also faces significant hurdles in convincing Russia to accept its terms.
As the international community navigates this complex conflict, one thing is clear: increased pressure must be brought to bear on Russia to force an end to its attacks. The continued suffering of civilians in Ukraine should serve as a stark reminder of the urgency required in finding a lasting solution to this tragic conflict.
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