Ceasefire should be the first step towards secure and lasting peace – says Zelensky

Ukraine stands behind its proposal to refrain from hitting at least civilian infrastructure.

And a long-term ceasefire should be the first step towards a credible peace.

According to Ukrinform, this was stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during his speech.

"Ukraine stands by its offer - at least, not to hit civilian infrastructure. And we expect a clear answer from Moscow. We are ready for any conversation on how to guarantee this," he said.

According to him, there is a clear, simpler, and more reliable way: stopping long-range missile and drone attacks.

"This alone would automatically ensure the security of all civilian infrastructure. A ceasefire – genuine and sustainable – must be the first step to securing peace," he was quoted as adding.

He said that Ukrainian representatives – both at meetings held in Paris and at meetings planned this week in London – would have a primary task regarding an unconditional ceasefire.

"Peace begins in silence. And only when there is real silence and when people trust the entire negotiation process, can the fundamental issues begin to be resolved," he stressed.

According to Ukrainian media, on Sunday alone, Russian forces violated the ceasefire announced by Russian leader Vladimir Putin 2935 times. /Telegraph/