**Russia Refuses Unconditional Ceasefire, Says Zelensky**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of refusing to accept an unconditional ceasefire in order to continue launching missile strikes from the Black Sea. This is a deliberate attempt by Russia to distort diplomacy and preserve its ability to attack Ukrainian cities and ports, according to Zelensky.
In his evening address on April 6, Zelensky emphasized that a ceasefire at sea is not just about navigation or food exports, but also about preventing further escalation of the conflict. He warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not want to end the war, but rather preserve the means to escalate it at any moment with greater force.
The Ukrainian president called for continued pressure on Moscow and urged the international community, particularly the United States, to respond to Russia’s refusal to accept an unconditional ceasefire. “If there is a ceasefire, it must be unconditional – one that does not allow for the destruction of life,” Zelensky said. “Putin is refusing. We are awaiting a response from the United States – and we also expect a response from all in Europe and around the world who truly want peace.”
This comes after Ukraine and the US agreed to implement a full 30-day ceasefire three weeks ago, which Russia declined to accept, instead issuing a list of demands. As part of the partial ceasefire deal, Washington vowed to help restore Russia’s access to the world market for agricultural and fertilizer exports, lower maritime insurance costs, and enhance access to ports and payment systems for such transactions.
However, the Kremlin stated that the ceasefire would only take effect after some sanctions were lifted on Russia. This move has been widely criticized by the international community, which sees it as an attempt by Russia to gain concessions while continuing its aggressive behavior in Ukraine.
The recent missile strikes on Ukrainian cities have resulted in civilian casualties, with at least one major city being struck each day. On April 4, a residential neighborhood in Kryvyi Rih was hit by ballistic missiles and drones, killing 20 people, including nine children, and injuring 75 others.
**Analysis**
Russia’s refusal to accept an unconditional ceasefire is a clear indication of its intentions to continue its aggressive behavior in Ukraine. By preserving its ability to launch missile strikes from the Black Sea, Russia is showing that it has no intention of ending the war, but rather wants to escalate it at any moment with greater force.
This move also highlights the Kremlin’s efforts to distort diplomacy and gain concessions from the international community while continuing its aggressive behavior. The fact that Russia is demanding concessions in exchange for a ceasefire only serves to further isolate it on the world stage.
The international community must continue to pressure Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire, and Zelensky’s call for continued pressure on Moscow should be heeded by all nations who truly want peace.