Ukraine seeks peace, but Putin demands new conditions — FM Sybiha on ceasefire talks

"Ukraine agreed to the U.S. ceasefire proposal because Ukraine wants peace. Instead of agreeing, Putin is presenting new conditions," Sybiha said.

He added that Ukraine seeks to end the war, while Putin aims to continue it.

"Everything else he says is just a smokescreen," Sybiha added.

US initiative for a ceasefire in Ukraine

A 30-day ceasefire initiative was proposed by U.S. representatives during talks with Ukraine in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 11.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed Ukraine was ready for a temporary ceasefire if Russia agreed. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the U.S. would deliver the proposal to Russia "through numerous channels."

A plane carrying Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has already landed in Moscow, with the White House confirming he plans to meet with President Putin to discuss the ceasefire.

On March 13, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the Kremlin was open to discussing the U.S. and Ukrainian ceasefire proposals. She added that talks with the U.S. could take place "today."

Also on March 13, Putin's aide Yuriy Ushakov described the proposed temporary ceasefire as "nothing more than a respite for the Ukrainian military" and stated that Russia does not need actions that "mimic peaceful steps."