Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed frustration over the lack of response from the United States after Ukraine agreed to a proposed unconditional ceasefire, which was ultimately rejected by Russia. In his Sunday evening address, Zelenskyy said, “Ukraine has agreed to America’s proposal, to a full, unconditional ceasefire. Putin refuses. We are waiting for the United States to respond, so far there has been no response.”
The silence from Washington has sparked concern in Kyiv, as officials are left in limbo following Russia’s outright dismissal of the peace initiative. The proposed ceasefire, which had backing from US diplomats, aimed to reduce escalating violence and provide space for renewed negotiations.
Today’s Russian attack included missiles launched from the waters of the Black Sea. Our partners know exactly which vessels were involved and from which part of the sea the launch occurred. This is one of the reasons why Russia is distorting diplomacy, why it is refusing to agree… pic.twitter.com/7btNab0G4W
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) April 6, 2025
Russia’s Refusal And Continued Aggression
Zelenskyy emphasised that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s refusal to accept the ceasefire offer underscores Moscow's unwillingness to end the conflict. “The pressure on Russia is still insufficient, and the daily Russian strikes on Ukraine prove it,” Zelenskyy said. “These attacks are Putin’s response to all international diplomatic efforts.”
Recommended For You
According to the Ukrainian leader, Russian forces have continued their missile and drone assaults across various Ukrainian cities, showing no signs of de-escalation. These relentless attacks, he noted, reflect Russia’s strategy of resisting global pressure and undermining peace efforts.
Call For Stronger International Sanctions
In a post on X on Saturday, Zelenskyy again urged the United States and its allies to intensify sanctions against Russia. “That's why pressure is needed, sufficient pressure on Russia so they feel the consequences of every lie, every strike, every single day they take lives and prolong the war,” he wrote.
He insisted that tougher economic and diplomatic actions are essential to compel the Kremlin to reconsider its stance. Ukraine maintains that international pressure is the only viable path to halting further bloodshed and securing peace.
Ceasefire Rejected Since March 11
Zelenskyy also revealed that Moscow has been rejecting ceasefire efforts since March 11. “A ceasefire could have already been reached — it is Putin who rejects it. It is Moscow that has refused a ceasefire since March 11,” he said. “It is they, in Russia, who want this war. And it's obvious that Russia won't be forced into peace just by talks or expectations.”