Zelenskyy: Ukraine ready for de-escalation steps if US ensures Russia's genuine readiness to end war

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declared his country's readiness to engage in de-escalation measures, contingent upon the United States confirming Russia's genuine, truthful, and enduring commitment to bring an end to the war. Speaking in an evening video address on Monday, Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine will proceed with its de-escalation steps only if American allies can substantiate Russia's sincere intention to cease the war of destruction and accomplish this in a truthful and lasting manner.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia currently lacks a genuine desire to end the war, simultaneously grappling with the repercussions of Ukrainian strikes on Russia's war economy. Nevertheless, he proposed that Ukraine could contribute to mutual de-escalation by ceasing strikes on critical infrastructure, should it serve as the initial step towards achieving peace.

Zelenskyy stressed the necessity of peace, highlighting the importance of incorporating energy, food corridors, and critical infrastructure into discussions aimed at halting strikes. In his call for concrete proposals from partners, the President underscored the need for enduring solutions rather than temporary measures, emphasizing that the de-escalation steps should remain in place indefinitely.