Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has issued a stark warning regarding U.S. support for Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need to maintain his political and economic isolation.
Zelensky’s Concerns Over U.S. Policy
In an interview with Eurovision News, Zelensky stated that it is critical for the United States not to assist Putin in breaking free from his global isolation. His remarks followed a recent agreement between Russia and Ukraine to implement a U.S.-brokered partial ceasefire concerning energy infrastructure attacks and hostilities in the Black Sea.
“It is very important that America does not help Putin to get out of this global isolation now,” Zelensky stressed during a visit to Paris. He labeled the current geopolitical climate as one of the most dangerous moments, warning that Putin’s ambitions extend beyond Ukraine and could potentially lead to “a direct confrontation with the West.”
The Dynamics of Power
Zelensky urged both the U.S. and European nations to remain united in their efforts to pressure Putin. According to him, the Russian leader is acutely aware of the strength of the European-American alliance and is actively seeking to divide it. Moreover, Zelensky pointed out that Putin is also grappling with his own mortality.
“He will die soon, that is a fact, and everything will be over,” Zelensky declared, reflecting on the precarious nature of Putin’s hold on power.
U.S. Response and Economic Concessions
Following the latest round of discussions with Russian delegates in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. has indicated that it will ease certain economic restrictions on Russia as part of the limited ceasefire agreement. This includes restoring Russia’s access to the global market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, reducing maritime insurance costs, and improving access to ports and payment systems.
However, it appears that no significant concessions were obtained from Russia during these negotiations. Ukraine had previously accepted a proposal for a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire, provided that Russia would adhere to the same terms, but Moscow declined to comply.
Commitment to Peace
Zelensky acknowledged that the limited ceasefire in the Black Sea is a positive step towards ending the ongoing war, yet he reiterated Ukraine’s commitment to achieving an unlimited cessation of hostilities. “In general, we were ready for a complete ceasefire,” he affirmed, highlighting Ukraine’s desire for lasting peace.
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