Ukraine-Russia Peace Talks: Ambassador Warns "We Cannot Trust Putin" as Ceasefire Hangs in Balance
Zelenskyy Challenges Putin for Direct Istanbul Meeting as Western Leaders Threaten New Sanctions
Ukrainian Ambassador to Australia, Vasyl Moroshnychenko, revealed that while Ukraine has unconditionally accepted a proposed 30-day ceasefire, Russia has yet to respond to the terms put forward by President Trump on March 11.
Speaking exclusively to ABC News Australia, the diplomat emphasized that Ukraine's stance remains cautiously hopeful but deeply skeptical of Russian intentions.
Key Takeaways:
Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal unconditionally, while Russia has not yet responded
European leaders have threatened additional sanctions on Russia's shadow fleet, energy, and banking sectors if the ceasefire is rejected
North Korean troops are now present in Ukraine, raising global security concerns about the conflict's expansion
"It now depends all on Vladimir Putin, actually. And certainly, we've seen this war going on for three years. And if everybody shows up in Istanbul, I'm sure they will have a meeting, irrespective of the ceasefire at the moment. However, we have to keep in mind that President Trump proposed the ceasefire on 11th of March. Ukraine accepted the terms of the ceasefire unconditionally, and Russia never accepted those terms of the ceasefire," Moroshnychenko stated.
The Ukrainian diplomat highlighted the existential threat facing his nation: "We don't really trust the Russians. We never trusted them, and we cannot trust Putin. And the thing is, can really—is Russia really interested in peace, or they're interested in waging the war? Because you have to remember that objective that Putin has announced three years ago was total destruction of Ukraine and subjugation of the Ukrainian nation."
Despite controlling 20% of Ukrainian territory, Moroshnychenko asserted that Russia has failed to achieve its primary objectives in the three-year conflict.
The stakes extend far beyond Eastern Europe, according to the Ambassador. "A lot is at stake, actually, because, as we see, North Korean troops are there. We've seen the parade in Moscow. Xi Jinping was in Moscow. What kind of signals Xi Jinping is sending to Australia? What kind of signals Xi Jinping is sending to the U.S.?"
In a stark assessment of global democracy, Moroshnychenko emphasized the broader implications for the Indo-Pacific region and liberal democracies worldwide. "Clearly, being here in this geopolitical environment that Australia is placed, the future of Australia depends on the rules-based international system, which Russia, as a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, has blatantly violated. And, of course, it's all about democracy. Does democracy have a chance, or democracy is in decline? Are authoritarian leaders now have an upper hand."
The Ambassador pointedly noted that Australia's geopolitical neighborhood contains few democracies, positioning European nations as Australia's closest ideological allies for future relationships.
Western support for Ukraine remains strong, with European leaders visiting Kyiv yesterday and consulting directly with President Trump. Their united message was clear: Russia must accept the ceasefire or face significant economic consequences.
As the world watches for Putin's response today, the question remains: Is this a genuine opportunity for peace or another tactical maneuver in a protracted conflict?
What do you believe: Can diplomacy succeed where military action has reached a stalemate? Share your thoughts on the prospects for peace in Ukraine.
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