Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared that Ukraine is fully ready for peace, maintaining that the country never desired the ongoing war with Russia.
Zelenskyy squarely blamed Russia for the continued conflict, asserting that Moscow has rejected all efforts at peace, despite a ceasefire agreement.
In a post shared via his official X account, the Ukrainian leader revealed that it has been 34 days since Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-proposed ceasefire, but Russia has failed to comply.
According to Zelenskyy, Russia’s refusal to end the war stems from the confidence its leaders and state propagandists have in avoiding consequences.
“Thirty-four days ago, Ukraine responded positively to the U.S. proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. And for thirty-four days now, Russia has been openly refusing to cease fire. Putin remains focused on continuing the war. Russian state propagandists are preparing their audience for the idea that diplomacy will not bring any results,” Zelenskyy said.
He added that only increased international pressure on Russia would stop the war.
“There is only one reason for this – in Moscow, they are not afraid. If there is no strong enough pressure on Russia, they will keep doing what they are used to – they will keep waging war. We all want this to end. Peace is needed – and it must be lasting.”
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine has consistently worked in good faith with its allies and partners to bring about lasting peace and security.
“That is why Ukraine always works constructively with its partners, in all formats that can bring security and restore peace.”
Reiterating that Ukraine never wanted war, the President stressed that when peace does come, it will be clear that Russia was forced into it.
“We are not just ready for peace quickly – Ukraine has never wanted this war, not for a single second. And when the war ends, the world will clearly know: it happened because Russia, the aggressor, was forced into peace.”
Zelenskyy reminded the international community that the war began in 2014, when Russia annexed Crimea, and urged the need for lasting solutions to prevent further conflict.
“The same aggressor that came to Ukrainian land in 2014 – 11 years ago. And it’s important for everyone that this doesn’t take more years.”