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Ongoing Operations in "Kursk"... Trump Optimistic and Kyiv Skeptical of Moscow's Intentions
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The Ukrainian President's statements reflect the deep trust gap between the warring parties, requiring strong international guarantees and effective monitoring mechanisms for any agreement reached
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin today, Saturday, of "lying" regarding the implementation of a ceasefire in Ukraine and the situation on the frontlines.
He stated that "Putin is lying to everyone about the situation on the ground, especially about what is happening in the Kursk region, where our Ukrainian forces continue their operations," adding that "Putin is also lying about how complicated a ceasefire is," according to the French News Agency.
Zelensky emphasized earlier today that his country's forces are still fighting in the Russian border province of Kursk, and that they are not surrounded as Moscow claims.
He stated in a message published on social media platforms that the situation near the Ukrainian city of Pokrovsk in the east of the country has stabilized, but Russia is mobilizing its soldiers across the border from the Sumy region in northeastern Ukraine.
These statements come despite Putin's announcement last Thursday that Russian units have surrounded the remaining Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk.
Zelensky also expressed today his suspicion of the Kremlin's intentions regarding the optimism shown by US President Donald Trump about Putin's response to the truce initiative in Ukraine, saying that Russia is currently looking for various arguments to avoid ending the confrontations.
He saw, in comments posted on his social media accounts, that Russian maneuvers will only lead to prolonging the war.
He explained that yesterday was full of talks that would bring peace closer, and Zelensky confirmed that Kyiv agreed to the American proposal to suspend air, sea, and land military operations, clarifying that his country is committed to following a positive approach during negotiations.
He urged the necessity of pressuring Moscow to adopt a constructive position and end its maneuvers that will only lead to prolonging the conflict.
The US President expressed his optimism yesterday, Friday, regarding the Russian position, stating in a television interview on the "Full Measure" program that he believes Putin will accept Washington's proposal, adding that "he knows Putin well enough to say he will agree to the truce."
He also clarified that he "was somewhat sarcastic" when he repeatedly claimed as a candidate that he would stop the war between Russia and Ukraine within 24 hours, even before taking office, mentioning in a video clip to be broadcast before the episode airs tomorrow, Sunday: "Well, I was somewhat sarcastic when I said that, what I really mean is that I want to solve the problem and I will do that, I think I will succeed," which is considered a rare admission from Trump, known for a long record of exaggerated statements.
These comments came after Trump's envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Putin in Moscow yesterday, along with other Russian officials to discuss the temporary truce proposal, and the Russian President handed his American guest a message addressed to Trump regarding the conflict cessation talks.
It is worth noting that Washington and Kyiv had reached an understanding during talks held in Saudi Arabia on March 11, to implement a 30-day ceasefire, pending the Russian position, and Moscow hinted that any temporary truce would not be useful unless it is linked to elements that make it pave the way for a permanent peace agreement.
