Russia is trying to delay peace for as long as possible, given the lack of its clear position on a proposed 30-day ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 13.
Kyiv agreed to a temporary ceasefire proposed by Washington during the talks in Jeddah on March 11, provided that Russia did as well. The talks in Saudi Arabia also led to the U.S. restarting key military and intelligence support for Ukraine.
Yuri Ushakov, a Russian presidential aide, said earlier on March 13 that the Kremlin was prioritizing a long-term settlement over a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine but the final position is up to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
According to Zelensky, Kyiv is committed to moving quickly toward peace and is prepared to do its part in creating "all of the conditions for a reliable, durable, and decent peace."
"Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made," he said. "This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible."
https://kyivindependent.com/russia-seeks-to-prolong-war-zelensky-says-about-lac k-of-clear-response-to-proposed-ceasefire/
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* Origin: Ukraine News from various sources (2:263/1)