Zelensky Awaits U.S. Response After Putin Rejects Unconditional Ceasefire Proposal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that he is still awaiting a response from the United States after Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected a proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire. Speaking during his evening address, Zelensky stated, "Ukraine has agreed to America's proposal, to a full, unconditional ceasefire. Putin refuses. We are waiting for the United States to respond - so far there has been no response."

Zelensky urged the U.S. to ramp up pressure on Russia through additional sanctions, warning that the current efforts are not sufficient. He emphasized that the increasing number of Russian airstrikes in Ukraine underscores the lack of adequate international pressure. On Sunday, Russia seized a village in Ukraine, and a day earlier, 19 people were killed in missile strikes on Zelensky's hometown of Kryvyi Rih.

"The pressure on Russia is still insufficient, and the daily Russian strikes on Ukraine prove it. These attacks are Putin's response to all international diplomatic efforts," he said. In a Saturday post on X, Zelensky reiterated the call for stronger U.S. sanctions, saying, "That's why pressure is needed - sufficient pressure on Russia so they feel the consequences of every lie, every strike, every single day they take lives and prolong the war."

Zelensky also stressed that a ceasefire could have already been achieved if not for Russia's rejection. "It is Putin who rejects it, it is Moscow that has refused a ceasefire since March 11. It is they, in Russia, who want this war. And it's obvious that Russia won't be forced into peace just by talks or expectations," he said.

Since taking office, U.S. President Donald Trump's administration has advocated for ending the war, now entering its third year, through a proposal for a complete and unconditional ceasefire. While Ukraine has agreed to the plan, Russia has dismissed it, leading to a continued deadlock in negotiations.

Putin, while commenting on the proposal, had said, "We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities. The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it." However, he added that the ceasefire must lead to "long-term peace" and address what he referred to as the "original causes of the crisis." He also suggested that Ukraine should undergo a change in leadership as part of the peace process.