Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has once again accused Russia of prolonging the war on Sunday as representatives from Kiev and Washington gathered in Saudi Arabia for the renewed talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in the war in Ukraine.
“Russia is the only one dragging this war out,” Zelensky said in his video message late Sunday evening.
“Since March 11, a proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table – and these attacks could have already stopped.
But it is Russia that continues all this,” he said, referring to a series of Russian drone attacks in recent days.
On March 11, Kiev agreed to implement a 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States if Moscow complied.
However, Russian President Vladimir Putin has set several preconditions, including a demand that the West halt its military aid to Ukraine on an immediate basis.
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“Without pressure on Russia, those in Moscow will continue to show contempt for real diplomacy and keep destroying lives,” Zelensky said. The Ukrainian and US representatives met for initial talks in Saudi Arabia on Sunday.
“The talks were constructive and informative – we discussed important issues, especially in the energy sector,” Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov wrote on Facebook on Sunday evening.
“The work of delegations continues,” Zelensky said. “But no matter what we’re discussing with our partners right now, Putin must be pushed to issue a real order to stop the strikes – because the one who brought this war must be the one to take it back.”
Meanwhile, Trump envoy Steve Witkoff voiced optimism that any agreement struck would pave the way to a “full-on” ceasefire.
“I think you’re going to see in Saudi Arabia on Monday some real progress, particularly as it affects a Black Sea ceasefire on ships between both countries. And from that you’ll naturally gravitate to a full-on shooting ceasefire,” he told reporters.
But the Kremlin on Sunday played down expectations of a rapid resolution, saying talks were just beginning.
“We are only at the beginning of this path,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian state TV. Putin has rejected a joint US-Ukrainian call for a full and immediate 30-day pause, proposing instead a halt in attacks only on energy facilities.
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