Fri Mar 14 03:08:35 UTC 2025: ## Zelensky Slams Putin’s “Manipulative” Response to Proposed Ukraine Ceasefire
**KYIV** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of employing manipulative tactics in response to a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Zelensky, in his nightly address, denounced Putin’s statement as “predictable” and designed to obstruct peace efforts.
While Putin publicly expressed support for the US-backed ceasefire initiative, he simultaneously raised numerous objections, including concerns about Ukrainian military advantage and the logistical challenges of monitoring a ceasefire across a vast frontline. Zelensky countered that Russia, not Ukraine, is setting conditions that complicate the process, asserting that Putin is merely delaying a resolution and avoiding a direct rejection of the proposal.
“Putin is afraid to tell President [Biden] directly that he wants to continue this war,” Zelensky alleged, claiming Putin is framing the ceasefire with impossible preconditions to prolong the conflict. He emphasized that Ukraine has not imposed any preconditions and that the US has offered to organize and verify the ceasefire.
Zelensky highlighted the feasibility of monitoring the ceasefire with the assistance of the US and European partners, emphasizing the opportunity to discuss long-term security and a comprehensive peace plan during a temporary cessation of hostilities. He concluded by characterizing Putin’s response as a blatant manipulation aimed at preventing a peaceful resolution to the war.
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