Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that Russia has no intention of ending its war on Ukraine, as combat continues along the frontline despite recent claims by Russian leader Vladimir Putin that the conflict was nearing its conclusion.
Zelensky: No Silence on the Frontline
In his nightly video address, Zelensky reported that there was no respite in fighting. "Today there was no silence on the front line. Combat actions have continued," he said. "Russia has no intention of ending this war. And we are, unfortunately, preparing for new attacks. But peace must come. That is exactly what we are working for."
Both sides have accused each other of launching drone and artillery strikes, despite the absence of a formal ceasefire. On Saturday, Putin claimed the war was "coming to an end," a statement Kyiv has dismissed as misleading.
Ukraine Proposes 'Airport Ceasefire'
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha has proposed a novel approach to de-escalation, suggesting Europe could help achieve a ceasefire starting with halting attacks on each other's airports. "We probably need a new role of Europe in our peace efforts. Maybe we would try to resolve or to achieve a so-called airport ceasefire," Sybiha told Politico in Brussels.
EU Rejects Putin's Mediation Suggestion
The European Union's foreign policy chief has rejected Putin's suggestion that former German Chancellor Gerhard Schröder could represent Europe in future talks with Moscow on European security arrangements, underscoring the continued diplomatic tensions.
War Enters Day 1,538
The conflict, now in its 1,538th day, shows no signs of abating. Zelensky's comments come as Ukraine braces for further Russian offensives, while international efforts to broker peace remain stalled.
The proposal for an airport ceasefire marks a potential new avenue for diplomacy, though it remains to be seen whether Russia will engage with the idea.
