Key takeaways from President Zelenskyy's recent statements:

• Zelenskyy accuses Putin of using manipulative tactics to delay a ceasefire.
• The Ukrainian president calls for the U.S. to impose maximum sanctions if Russia refuses peace efforts.
• He emphasizes the importance of monitoring mechanisms for a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vocally condemned Russian President Vladimir Putin's stance on a proposed ceasefire, describing it as "very manipulative." During a recent address, Zelenskyy pointed out that while Russia nominally supports a ceasefire, it adds conditions that complicate negotiations. He noted, "The Russians say, for example, 'We support a ceasefire, but …'" leading to an array of barriers that prolong the conflict. This sentiment was echoed during his discussions with international media where he emphasized that NPR reported his concerns regarding a potential military advantage Russia might seek during any ceasefire.

In his remarks, Zelenskyy articulated the need for the U.S. to exert pressure on Moscow and called for "maximum additional sanctions" if Russia fails to agree to a ceasefire. He characterized Putin's responses as attempts to stall and hinder substantive discussions on peace. As he addressed the complexities of monitoring a ceasefire along a lengthy frontline, he expressed confidence that U.S. and European capabilities could aid in surveillance, ensuring compliance.

Despite the challenges, Zelenskyy remains optimistic about the possibility of ending the war expediently, describing recent meetings in Saudi Arabia that underscored Ukraine's steadfast position against any territorial concessions. He reiterated, "We do not recognize the occupied territories as territories of Russia," emphasizing that these discussions belong at the negotiating table rather than at the forefront of ceasefire talks. The Ukrainian leader underscored that achieving a ceasefire would pave the way towards addressing more profound issues regarding territorial integrity, with the ambitious goal of establishing lasting peace in the region.

While observing the ebb and flow of military engagements, Zelenskyy remains vigilant about the risks posed by Russian strategies, which he believes aim to improve battlefield positions prior to accepting any ceasefire.

Catch the entire scope of President Zelenskyy's remarks through sources like Channel News Asia and BBC.