Bloomberg: Zelenskyy Says Putin Rejects Proposal for Mutual Halt in Black Sea Shipping Attacks
Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine had proposed a mutual suspension of attacks on agricultural shipping vessels in the Black Sea, but Moscow rejected the offer. Russia demanded that Ukraine commit to ceasing attacks on its energy infrastructure before agreeing to any such ceasefire arrangement.
Zelenskyy said, “Russia’s position is clear: only if we stop targeting their energy facilities will they stop attacking our grain shipping routes.”
Putin acknowledged that Ukrainian drone strikes have caused economic losses to Russia, but on Saturday (August 22), he stated that all ceasefire proposals put forward by Kyiv were “unacceptable,” with some even described as “unrealistic,” without revealing further details. In an interview with Russian state television, Putin reiterated his consistent stance: “We have always been willing to engage in peaceful dialogue, but all negotiations must be based on actual conditions on the front lines.”
Zelenskyy revealed that he had also proposed to several unnamed foreign leaders that third-party vessels transport agricultural exports from both Ukraine and Russia. However, he candidly admitted that he clearly understood “Russia currently has no willingness to accept this proposal.”
Zelenskyy said Kyiv is willing to negotiate a ceasefire in the energy sector, provided both sides implement it equally.
“If Russia is willing to negotiate on equal terms, we can sit down and talk. When discussing agriculture, focus solely on agricultural shipping; when discussing energy, focus only on energy infrastructure. If a comprehensive ceasefire is desired, then let us negotiate a full ceasefire agreement.”
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874309560880330/
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