'Who negotiates with terrorists?': Putin responds to Zelenskyy's ceasefire call

Zelenskyy shared this during a briefing.

Ukraine offered the Russian side a ceasefire until the leaders' meeting. The president emphasized that Ukraine is ready for a meeting starting from Monday, on any day.

"The Russians are not ready for a ceasefire. At least the level of delegations is not prepared to solve this. They believe it's a matter for the leaders. They themselves told us this: the issue of a ceasefire is of a different level. We propose, and I believe that our partners can support us, we propose a ceasefire until the leaders' meeting," said Zelenskyy.

He stressed that if there is no understanding, willingness for de-escalation, and a path to ending the war during the leaders' meeting, the Russians will be able to unilaterally cease the ceasefire regime on the same day. However, if an agreement is reached during the conversation, the ceasefire will continue under American monitoring and with their guarantees of mediation.

"My proposal is this: now — a ceasefire until our leaders' meeting. Without any conditions, because we say: okay, tomorrow? Let’s do it tomorrow... Istanbul, Switzerland, Vatican, the day after tomorrow, after the day after tomorrow, from the beginning of the week, by the end of the week — please, we are open. But during this time, people will understand that Ukraine and the whole world have a chance to end the war," emphasized Zelenskyy.

Putin’s response

In turn, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin called the Kyiv government a "terrorist organization" and Ukraine's partners "accomplices of terrorists."

He also accused the Ukrainians of "sabotaging the negotiations" and "terrorist pressure" on Russia, demanding a ceasefire.

In response to Zelenskyy’s proposal to meet personally, Putin said, "What is there to talk about under these conditions? Who even negotiates with terrorists?"

He also stated that if Russia agrees to a temporary ceasefire, it will be used to "pump Kyiv with weapons, continue violent mobilization, and prepare terrorist attacks."

• On June 4, Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Russia’s 'memorandum' on the ceasefire is an ultimatum that contradicts common sense.