Zelensky Optimistic About a 'Strong Response' from the U.S. to Russia; Warns Putin Against Conditional Negotiations

The President of Ukraine states that a 'strong response' from the U.S. to Russia could lead to a 'quick end to the war.' Simultaneously, the British Prime Minister warned Vladimir Putin against conditioning negotiations and ceasefires. On Thursday, March 23, Putin responded to a question about his assessment of the U.S. ceasefire proposal, stating, 'We agree with this proposal to stop the war. However, we insist that the cessation of hostilities must lead to a sustainable peace and the elimination of the roots of the crisis.' He added, 'We agree to a ceasefire, but we have considerations as well.' In reaction to this stance, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, in his nighttime video message on the same day, said that Putin is preparing to 'reject' the U.S. ceasefire proposal but fears directly telling Donald Trump that he intends to 'continue the war.' On Friday, March 24, Zelensky emphasized that Russia 'will not play games' if it receives a strong response from the U.S., warning that otherwise, Moscow would resort to delaying actions. For this reason, Zelensky urged the U.S. and other allies to exert as much pressure on Russia as possible. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also shares Zelensky's belief that Putin will attempt to delay the end of the war. According to Reuters, Starmer warned Putin to abandon 'meaningless conditions' and end the war unconditionally. He stated, 'My message to the Kremlin is very clear: stop the brutal attacks on Ukraine forever and agree to a ceasefire.' On Saturday, March 25, Starmer is scheduled to hold a video meeting with leaders or representatives from about 25 countries, including Europe, Canada, and Australia, regarding assistance to Ukraine and pressuring Russia for a ceasefire agreement. Starmer hopes this meeting will lead to 'strong' and tangible commitments for aiding Kyiv post-ceasefire and ensuring Ukraine's security. Donald Trump, the U.S. President, previously told reporters that Russia 'has no choice but to accept a ceasefire. Otherwise, they will face sanctions, which I hope does not come to that.' Since returning to the White House for his second term less than two months ago, he has declared ending Russia's three-year aggression against Ukraine as one of his main priorities and quickly sent senior representatives to Moscow and Kyiv to facilitate conditions for peace. On Friday, Trump also mentioned that 'positive and good waves are coming from Moscow.'