Ukrainian president warns of Russian push to surround troops as ceasefire negotiations continue

Kremlin forces need to encompass Kyiv’s troops within the northeastern Ukrainian area immediately bordering Kursk as negotiations transfer ahead towards a brief ceasefire, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy stated.

Whereas Russia is advancing in its Kursk area, making an attempt to push again Ukrainian troopers who’ve held a part of the realm since final summer season, the latter haven’t been encircled, regardless of Kremlin claims amplified by US President Donald Trump, Zelenskiy advised reporters in Kyiv on Saturday.

“Russia desires to encircle Ukrainian troops on identical axis, however on Ukraine’s territory,” Zelenskiy stated. “We now have a transparent understanding of the place they wish to do that.”

Additionally Learn: Ukraine’s Zelensky slams Putin after Russia President units out ceasefire situations, thanks Trump, Modi

Serhiy Nikiforov, a spokesman for Zelenskiy, elaborated that Zelenskiy was referring to Sumy, the area immediately throughout the border from Kursk.

Russia is on the lookout for a stronger place earlier than a possible momentary ceasefire proposed by Ukraine and the US to President Vladimir Putin this week, Zelenskiy stated. The Kremlin chief has made “maximalist” calls for surrounding a ceasefire anticipated to be unacceptable to Ukrainians and different Europeans, in line with Western safety officers.

The US, which dispatched envoy Steve Witkoff to Moscow for talks this week, hasn’t responded to Putin’s proposals but. Zelenskiy stated he expects a “clear” and “agency” response from the US if Putin rejects a ceasefire.

Zelenskiy added that Russia’s offensive plans — together with the prospect of pushing floor forces into Sumy — is an indication Putin isn’t getting ready to put down arms. “Such steps doesn’t imply peace,” he stated.