Russian envoy calls Ukraine ceasefire "unrealistic" amid ongoing war

He made this statement during a UN meeting, as quoted by the Russian propaganda agency RIA Novosti.

He also accused the West of "failing to pressure Kyiv" to adhere to an energy truce, blaming Ukraine for constantly violating it.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump said that this week Washington would hear a response from Russia regarding proposals for a ceasefire. 

"We will get a response from them this week. In fact, it will be very soon. And we will see," Trump said.

Before this, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that President Donald Trump's administration expects Russia to show readiness to end the war, which should become clear "within weeks, not months." He assured that "Trump will not fall into the trap of endless negotiations."

What is known about the ceasefire?

At negotiations with the U.S. in Saudi Arabia on March 11, Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept the U.S. proposal for the immediate introduction of a 30-day ceasefire. 

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Kyiv is ready for a ceasefire. However, he emphasized that it will only work if Russia agrees to it. The leader of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, responded that Moscow agrees with the proposals to cease hostilities, but there are issues that still need to be discussed.

Later, Ukraine and Russia agreed to mutually stop attacks on energy infrastructure. However, Russia continues to shell both energy facilities and civilians.