Zelenskyy: Russia’s Silence on Ceasefire Confirms Its Desire to Prolong the War

The lack of a response from Russia to the ceasefire proposal indicates its intent to continue the war; Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that on March 13, following a report from the Ukrainian delegation on the meeting with US representatives in Saudi Arabia.

“Unfortunately, more than a day has passed without a substantive response from Russia regarding the proposals put forward,” Zelenskyy wrote.

“This once again confirms that Russia seeks to prolong the war and will attempt to delay peace for as long as possible. We hope that US pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war.”

He added that Ukraine is “committed to a swift path to peace” and is ready to “do its part” to create the conditions for a stable, lasting, and just peace.

The Head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, added that Russia “is stalling and so far demonstrates that it seeks to manipulate the situation and prolong the war.”

“Unfortunately, Russia remains silent, and we have yet to hear its official stance on a ceasefire,” Yermak wrote on his official Telegram channel.

On March 11, Ukraine expressed its readiness to consider a US-proposed 30-day temporary ceasefire, which could be extended by mutual agreement if Russia also agrees and implements the terms simultaneously.

On March 12, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine could begin within days, provided Moscow agrees to the proposal.