Sybiha: Ukraine insists on increasing pressure on Russia, its short-term truces are mere manipulations

Ukraine insists on increasing pressure on Russia, focusing on the fact that the world is increasingly understanding the Kremlin's hybrid tactics of manipulation, either with the Easter truce or with the truce on May 9, said Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, speaking during the Question Hour to the government in the Verkhovna Rada on Friday.

"Now we are witnessing a new hybrid tactic of manipulation by the Kremlin, when they are pushing us with Easter or a ceremonial truce. We also see a growing understanding around the world that all this is simply manipulation and a blatant mockery by Russia of the peace efforts of the United States and other partners," he said.

"We insist that it is time to increase pressure on Moscow to force it to peace. Military deterrence and economic pressure can do this and make it impossible to expand aggression," Sybiha stressed.

The minister also stated that "Ukraine clearly and consistently stands for an unconditional and comprehensive ceasefire on land, at sea, in the air. At least for 30 days. We are ready."

"Russia must agree to a real, complete and unconditional ceasefire and confidence-building measures, such as, first of all, the return of Ukrainian prisoners of war, abducted children and civilian hostages. Only in conditions of complete ceasefire and humanitarian confidence-building measures can negotiations begin - in any format that will bring peace," Sybiha stressed.