President Volodymyr Zelensky has announced that Ukraine has submitted a proposal to Russia for a ceasefire regarding attacks targeting the energy infrastructure of both countries, Reuters and AFP inform.
The leader from Kiev stated that he supports this proposal addressed to Russia regarding the ceasefire, which is conditional on Moscow ending all attacks on the energy infrastructure.
Zelenski said in his video speech on Monday evening that the proposal was sent to Moscow through the US. He also said that work continues with American negotiators on security guarantees, which he described as the key to lasting peace.
“If Russia is ready to stop attacks on our energy infrastructure, we will be ready to respond in kind,” Zelenskiy said. “This proposal was conveyed to the Russian side through the Americans,” he added.
Zelensky last week proposed observing a truce on similar terms for Easter – in the dominant Orthodox faith in both Russia and Ukraine, Easter falls next Sunday.
But following further Russian attacks, he then claimed that Russia had responded to the proposal by sending Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Moscow reacted coolly to Zelenskiy's proposal last week, saying it preferred a global peace deal instead.
In his remarks on Monday, after an overnight attack on the Black Sea port of Odesa killed three people, Zelenskiy also said Russia appeared unwilling to accept an Easter truce.
“We have repeatedly proposed to Russia a truce at least for Easter, a special time of the year,” he said. “But for them, all periods are the same. Nothing is sacred,” the Kiev leader charged.
