Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy affirmed his country’s commitment to any ceasefire agreement. However, he emphasized that Kyiv would reciprocate any violations of the agreement by the other side.
In a press statement, Zelenskyy said that Ukraine supports all efforts aimed at de-escalating the situation and halting the military escalation. He also stressed that any truce must be mutual and binding on all parties without exception. This, he said, would guarantee the protection of civilians and minimize human casualties.
Clear guarantees and quick understandings
President Zelensky added that the experience of the ongoing war has demonstrated the importance of clear guarantees for the implementation of any ceasefire agreements. He also warned that a lack of commitment could lead to the collapse of any hasty understandings, potentially reigniting the conflict on the ground.
President Zelensky indicated that his country would take any potential violations seriously and would respond “proportionately and directly” if the ceasefire were breached. He emphasized that the primary objective remains achieving a just and lasting peace that ends the war and preserves Ukraine’s sovereignty.
