Zelenskyy: Ukraine ready to respond in kind if Russia stops its strikes
Ukraine is ready to respond in kind if Russia stops its strikes, as a ceasefire could create the right prerequisites for agreements, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.
"Ukraine has always called for a ceasefire in the war waged by Russia here in Europe against our state and people, and we support the silence in the Middle East and the Gulf, which opens the way for diplomatic work. Ukraine once again reiterates to Russia: we are ready to respond in kind if Russia stops its strikes. It is obvious to everyone that a ceasefire can create the right prerequisites for agreements," Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram on Wednesday.
He noted that various countries were involved in the negotiation process in the Middle East and emphasized the importance of the United States taking this diplomatic step.
"During these weeks, Ukraine has been helping to protect lives in the Middle East and the Gulf. Ukrainian expert military teams will continue to work in the region for the further development of security capabilities," the president added.
According to him, any threats to security and stability in the Middle East and the Gulf scale up challenges for the economy and the cost of living in every country.
"That is why security must be guaranteed, and the interests of every nation must be taken into account when determining post-war conditions. It is equally fundamental to protect the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Decisiveness in this matter also has global significance," the head of state emphasized.
Zelenskyy remarked that active and coordinated actions by the international community are needed to achieve the right result. "There must be more security after the war, not less. Ukraine will continue to work constructively with all partners," he concluded.
As previously reported, US President Donald Trump announced that he agreed to suspend the bombing and attack on Iran for two weeks, provided there is a complete, immediate, and safe opening of the Strait of Hormuz by the Islamic Republic of Iran.
