'Optimistic about U.S. support': Ukraine’s parliament speaker on Russia talks, partners' role in ending war

Espreso journalist Kateryna Halko reports.

Russia-Ukraine peace talks

“Ukraine and the Ukrainian people want peace more than any other nation. This is our main principle because we are the victims of this aggression. Russia is the aggressor. Ukraine has always done everything to achieve peace, not peace at any cost, but lasting and fair peace for Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clearly stated that we are ready for a 30-day ceasefire,” said the Parliament Speaker.

He emphasized that Ukraine is ready to create proper conditions for negotiations. However, Moscow currently shows no willingness to engage in dialogue.

“You know that on the day the president said this, he was in Istanbul, but unfortunately, no one responded. The best example is what Russia is doing now, attacking our cities like Kherson today, Sumy yesterday, Poltava yesterday, and before that Kyiv. This clearly shows that Russia sees no possibility of taking steps toward a ceasefire,” the Speaker stressed.

U.S. role and sanctions

Speaking about the role of the United States, the Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada recalled Donald Trump’s campaign promise to end the war and positively assessed the recent statements of the American leader.

“I am very hopeful, and we have optimistic views based on the recent statements of the President of the United States, who expects concrete steps primarily from the Russian Federation. Therefore, I sincerely hope that this position will be taken into account on the international stage,” Stefanchuk said.

He also emphasized the importance of sanctions pressure on Russia and the role of interparliamentary cooperation in advancing the relevant bill in the U.S.

“We must work with our colleagues to ensure that the bill, which currently has the support of over eighty senators in the Senate, is passed by the United States Senate and approved by Congress. We are also working on this. Therefore, this issue is very complex and very important, as Ukraine demonstrates to the whole world its determination to defend the country and its genuine desire to stop this war,” Stefanchuk concluded.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine offered Russia a ceasefire before the leaders' meeting. In response, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin called the Kyiv authorities "terrorists."