Russia's silence on ceasefire deepens Ukraine conflict concerns
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has reported that Russia has not responded to the ceasefire proposal since 12 May. Ukraine is appealing for international support and sanctions.
What do you need to know?
- Russia ignores ceasefire: Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Russia has not responded to the proposal for a full and lasting ceasefire since 12 May.
- Meeting with ministers: During an online meeting with ministers from the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Germany, Spain, Poland, and the EU, Sybiha discussed the situation on the front lines and the potential for additional sanctions.
- Appeal for support: Ukraine is urging for new defensive aid packages and sanctions against the Russian banking and energy sectors.
What are the international reactions to the situation in Ukraine?
The Ukrainian Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, during an online meeting with ministers from key European countries, emphasised that Russia is completely ignoring the ceasefire proposal since 12 May. Sybiha noted that the Russians are still attacking Ukrainian positions, indicating their intent to prolong the conflict.
"I shared the most up-to-date information about the real frontline situation, which I received directly from the Commander-in-Chief prior to the meeting. Russians are completely ignoring the offer of a full and durable ceasefire starting on May 12. They continue to attack Ukrainian positions all along the frontline. Moscow squanders another opportunity to put an end to the killings. This once again demonstrates that Russia's only goal is to prolong the war," Sybiha wrote on platform X.
What steps does Ukraine plan to take in response to Russia's actions?
During the meeting with ministers, Sybiha discussed the "decisive steps" that can be taken, including sanctions against the Russian banking sector, central bank, and energy sector. "We discussed strong steps that can be taken, including sanctions against Russia's banking, central bank, and energy sectors, combined with new defence assistance packages for Ukraine. Putin must understand the consequences of rejecting peace efforts and continuing the war," said Sybiha. Ukraine is making every effort to end the war and give diplomacy a chance, but so far has not received a response to the proposal for a meeting between President Zelensky and Putin.
Sybiha expressed gratitude to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the European Union for their unwavering support and efforts towards achieving a just peace. "I am grateful to the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Poland, and the European Union for their unwavering support and tireless efforts to achieve a fair peace," the Foreign Minister emphasised.
