Ukraine War:‍ Moscow Responds to Cease-Fire Demands Amid Diplomatic ⁣Efforts

Moscow has rejected calls from European leaders for an immediate truce in Ukraine, as diplomatic⁣ pressure mounts ahead of a planned meeting in Istanbul on⁤ Thursday. The situation remains fluid, with various international actors attempting to mediate a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Trump Urges putin and ⁢Zelensky to Attend Istanbul Meeting

Former ‍U.S. President Donald Trump has encouraged Russian President Vladimir Putin to attend⁢ the meeting in Istanbul alongside⁤ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump suggested his own presence at the meeting, stating, “it will be very critically important and good things will come out.”

Zelensky Seeks Papal Mediation

President Zelensky has reached out to Pope Leo XIV, inviting him to visit⁢ Kiev.⁤ This move underscores Ukraine’s ⁢desire for a peaceful resolution, according to Ukrainian officials.

Italy Calls for Russian Response to Cease-Fire Request

Italian⁢ Prime Minister Meloni, following a meeting with Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis in Rome, stated, “Ukraine is for peace, Moscow is ⁤responsible for war.We are waiting for a clear response from Russia on the request of the ceasefire.”

EU: Putin ‘Surprised’ by ⁣Zelensky’s Willingness to Meet

Paula⁣ Pinho,a European Commission spokesperson,suggested that putin may have been taken⁤ aback by Zelensky’s willingness to meet in person. “Problably he was⁤ surprised by President Zelensky’s⁣ willingness to meet him in person, and so we are eager to see President Putin’s willingness to meet Zelensky on Thursday,” Pinho said during a press briefing.

EU: “The Ball Is ‍in Russia’s Court”

Another European Commission spokesperson emphasized the‍ need for concrete actions from Russia, stating, “We have seen that Vladimir Putin is not reliable, facts matter more than words.On Sunday night, over 100 ‍drones flew over Ukraine, once again killing innocent civilians.” The spokesperson added, “now we ⁣have an unconditional ceasefire to which Volodymyr Zelensky has agreed, with ‍Ukraine remaining strong thanks to our support. The ball is in Russia’s court.”

Kiev: Putin’s Absence in Istanbul Would Signal Lack of Interest in Peace

Ukrainian ⁢officials have indicated that Putin’s absence from the istanbul talks would be a definitive sign⁣ that⁢ Moscow ‍is not interested in ending the war. Andrei Yermak, a top aide to Zelensky, stated, “I believe that if Vladimir putin refuses to visit Turkey, this would give the⁣ definitive signal that Russia does not want to end this war, that he is not willing to negotiate,” according to a statement published on the Ukrainian presidential website.

Kremlin: Europe Cannot Mediate Due to⁢ Pro-Kiev ⁢Stance

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov asserted that European countries cannot act⁤ as mediators in the conflict because their position is “entirely on the side of Ukraine” and aims to prolong the war. Peskov was quoted ⁤by interfax as saying, “Since Europe is, after all, entirely on the‍ side of Ukraine, it cannot in any way claim an impartial approach, a balanced approach. its approach is not balanced,it is rather in favor of war,aimed at continuing it,and is in stark contrast to what is being demonstrated,for ⁤example,in Moscow or Washington.”

U.S. envoy Identifies Key Issues for Negotiation

Steve Witkoff, a White House envoy, identified key issues that need to⁢ be resolved in any potential negotiations between moscow and Kiev. These include the contested regions, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, and Ukrainian access to the Black Sea via the Dnepr River.

Witkoff stated in an interview with Breitbart, “There are ⁤things here that I don’t think will be tough to solve if we get the parties to the table.” He noted that there are five regions of Ukraine currently contested, with two under Russian control and three under mixed control. He also described the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant as “a little jewel in the crown” due to its electricity production capacity.

Moscow Rejects UN Conclusions⁤ on MH17 Tragedy

The Kremlin⁣ has rejected the conclusions of the United Nations’ ‍civil aviation agency (ICAO),which ⁣held Russia responsible for the downing of flight MH17 in Ukraine on July 17,2014,which resulted in the deaths of 298 people. Interfax reported the kremlin’s statement that the⁣ conclusions were “biased.”

Trump’s ⁢Ultimatum: Direct Talks or U.S. Steps Back

According to Witkoff, President Trump has issued an ultimatum to both sides: without direct talks and if they do not ⁤occur quickly, then he believes⁤ the United States should withdraw from the conflict. “He‍ has given an ultimatum ⁤to both parties: without direct talks and if they don’t happen quickly, then he⁣ believes that the United States should take a step back from ⁣this conflict, whatever that⁢ means, and just not be involved,” Witkoff said.

Witkoff added, “It’s a matter that we want to mediate.It’s not our ⁤war. We didn’t start it, but we want to help end it.The way that happens is a ceasefire: everyone stops the violence, and we spend some time together to address the main issues, and I think⁢ we’ll succeed.”

The White House envoy⁢ also expressed his belief that “the Russians really want a peaceful solution” and that “our job” is to bring the parties together “in a room and show them that the alternatives to a⁣ peaceful ⁣resolution are negative for everyone.”

Germany Urges Russia to Attend Istanbul Talks

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul urged Russia ⁤to attend the talks in Istanbul,⁢ stating, ⁢”I would like to emphasize it once again: Ukraine has moved a lot, it is ready to negotiate without preconditions for a truce and a peace agreement, and now it is up to Russia. Russia ⁤should not ‍leave an empty chair” ⁢in Istanbul. “But it⁤ must ⁢show up, ⁤if it is really interested in peace,” he continued.