Zelenskyy: “Putin Is Afraid to Tell Trump He Wants to Keep Killing Ukrainians”

On March 13, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is using manipulative rhetoric to avoid directly rejecting the proposed ceasefire, suggesting that Moscow is deliberately stalling peace efforts.

In his evening address, Zelenskyy said that Putin is unwilling to tell US President Donald Trump outright that he wants to continue the war but is instead setting unrealistic preconditions to prolong hostilities.

“We have all heard very predictable, very manipulative words from Russia in response to the idea of silence on the front—he is, in fact, preparing to reject it at this moment,” Zelenskyy said.

“Putin, of course, is afraid to say directly to President Trump that he wants to continue this war, that he wants to kill Ukrainians. And so, in Moscow, they surround the idea of silence with such preconditions that nothing comes of it, or that it drags on for as long as possible.”

The Ukrainian president noted that this tactic is not new, accusing Putin of avoiding clear refusals while creating obstacles to block meaningful resolutions.

“Putin often does this—he does not say ‘no’ outright, but he delays everything and makes normal decisions impossible,” Zelenskyy added. “Right now, he must be pressured. Sanctions must be imposed that will have an impact. We will continue working with our American and European partners, with everyone in the world who seeks peace, to force Russia to end this war.”

Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine’s readiness to move forward with the proposed ceasefire, emphasizing that the US had committed to organizing verification and control mechanisms. He stressed that Kyiv remains committed to a constructive and rapid resolution, while Russia continues to obstruct the process.

On March 13, Russian leader Vladimir Putin said that Moscow would agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine only if Kyiv guarantees it “will not mobilize, train, or receive weapons” during the truce. US President Donald Trump responded to Russian leader Vladimir Putin’s latest remarks, calling them “promising” but incomplete.