Zelensky Slams Russia for Delaying Peace Talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Russia of stalling ceasefire negotiations to prolong its war, a day after US President Donald Trump claimed progress toward a truce following a call with Vladimir Putin. Writing on X, Zelensky warned, “If Russia keeps pushing unrealistic conditions, there must be severe consequences,” stressing Kyiv’s readiness for talks.

Trump, after speaking with both leaders on Monday, announced that Russia-Ukraine negotiations would begin “immediately.” Putin expressed willingness to draft a “peace memorandum” but sidestepped a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov downplayed imminent talks, stating, “There are no deadlines,” while Russia’s Foreign Ministry urged Kyiv to respond to the memorandum.

Zelensky intensified diplomatic efforts, engaging allies like Finland’s president to pressure Moscow. The EU and UK escalated sanctions, targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” of nearly 200 oil tankers and military suppliers, respectively, with warnings of harsher measures if Russia rejects a truce. Trump, however, opposed new sanctions, citing potential disruption to progress.

Heavy fighting persists, with Ukraine reporting 177 clashes and over 1,000 Russian casualties in a day, following a record drone attack described as the largest since Russia’s 2022 invasion. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius criticized Putin’s “lip service” to peace, accusing him of buying time.

Russia has rejected a US-Ukraine 30-day ceasefire proposal and Zelensky’s invitation for talks in Istanbul, which Trump offered to join. Previous short truces, like a 30-hour Easter pause and a May 8-11 ceasefire, collapsed amid mutual accusations of violations.