RE: BBC: Zelensky says no ceasefire. Gap down on open?13 Mar 2025 21:11
Putin's response to ceasefire proposal 'manipulative,' says Zelensky
published at 19:29
19:29
Breaking
Vitaliy Shevchenko
Russia editor, BBC Monitoring
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says Vladimir Putin's response to the ceasefire proposal is "manipulative” and he rejects his "preconditions".
"What we've heard from Russia are Putin's very predictable and very manipulative words," Zelensky said in his evening video address tonight. "In practice, he's preparing a rejection."
"Of course, Putin is afraid to tell Trump directly that he wants to continue this war, that he wants to continue killing Ukrainians.
"That's why Moscow surrounds the ceasefire idea with preconditions that won't make anything possible, or make it impossible for longer."
Zelensky calls for more sanctions on Russia to force peace
published at 19:41
19:41
Breaking
Vitaliy Shevchenko
Russia editor, BBC Monitoring
Vladimir Zelensky, wearing a black shirt, in Kyiv on 13 March
Image source,Reuters
We can bring you more from Zelensky, who is reacting to an earlier news conference from the Russian president.
He says Putin "often does this, he doesn't say no directly, but does something that only delays things or makes normal decisions impossible".
"This is yet another manipulation by Russia," he adds. "It's only Russia that will delay things and be unconstructive."
The Ukrainian president then calls for more sanctions in order to "put pressure" on Putin.