🔥 Former U.S. State Department Special Representative Kurt Volker, in an interview with Radio Liberty, stated that a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine is currently impossible, as Russian President Vladimir Putin intends to continue military actions and shelling Ukrainian cities.
Source: Gazeta.UA
💬 Volker noted that a complete ceasefire may be possible in the future, but at present, Putin is not ready for such a step, as he wants to continue fighting, attacking, and bombing. According to the diplomat, Putin hopes for military gains during the summer offensive, so he is not interested in a ceasefire.
⚡ Volker suggests that under pressure from international sanctions and military setbacks, the Kremlin may change its position. He mentioned that when the pressure increases, Putin may realize that it’s time to stop, and this could happen in the fall or next year, likely by the end of 2025.
🌍 The diplomat also emphasized that direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow will not yield results without the involvement of the international community. “Putin will deceive and distort reality,” Volker said, stressing that without external observers, Russia could shift the blame onto Ukraine.
🔒 In his opinion, international participation should be key in negotiations on specific issues, such as prisoner exchanges, local ceasefires, or a ban on strikes on critical infrastructure.
💪 After achieving a ceasefire, strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities is crucial: investing in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, conducting training, reinforcing European deterrence forces, developing the economy, and accelerating Ukraine’s integration into the EU.
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