Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that the ceasefire proposal made to Russia remains valid, provided that Moscow stops all attacks on energy infrastructure, Ukrinform and Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
Zelensky said in his evening video address that the proposal was conveyed to Moscow through the United States. He also said that he was continuing to work with American negotiators on the issue of security guarantees, which he called key to lasting peace.
"If Russia is ready to stop attacks on our energy infrastructure, we will be ready to respond in kind," he said. "This proposal was conveyed to the Russian side through the Americans."
Last week, Zelensky proposed a ceasefire on similar terms for Easter, which is being celebrated this week in both Russia and Ukraine.
But after new Russian attacks, he said Russia had responded to the offer by deploying Iranian "Shahed" drones.
Moscow reacted coolly to Zelensky's offer last week, saying it preferred a comprehensive peace agreement instead.
In his statement after a nighttime attack on the Black Sea port of Odessa that killed three people, Zelensky said Russia seemed unwilling to accept an Easter ceasefire.
"We have repeatedly offered Russia a ceasefire at least for Easter, a special period of the year," he said. "But for them, all periods are the same. Nothing is sacred".
"Currently, of course, the oil market and world markets in general are in crisis due to the unresolved situation around Iran. Oil-producing countries – and Russia is among them – can now earn more. And our drones and missiles limit Russia in this regard – we thank our soldiers for their accuracy. Today, in particular, we discussed diplomatic actions with the Commander-in-Chief and the Chief of the General Staff," he added.
Zelensky also thanked those partners who continue to exert pressure through their own measures – including sanctions, detention of tankers and restrictions on the supply of modern equipment to Russia.
"Everything that the Russians can gain from the shock oil prices, they will spend on the war. This priority of theirs has not changed yet. That is why any restriction we impose on their ability to export oil is the right move," Zelensky added.
Ukrainian diplomacy is working to restore a permanent presence in Syria and deepen cooperation with countries in the region. At the same time, the government is striving for global stability and is working on new security agreements with its partners, Zelensky added in his evening video address, quoted by Ukrinform.
"Our team is currently finalizing the agreements resulting from the recent visits. The director of "Naftogaz" is working with the Turkish side to implement everything that we discussed two days ago in Istanbul. For us, cooperation with Turkey is one of the guarantees of energy and logistical security. There is a solid basis for taking new joint steps," Zelensky noted.
He stressed that the recent meeting with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was one of the most positive in years and expressed his gratitude for that.
"The diplomatic wing of our team is also working on the issue of Syria to strengthen our cooperation. We have already restored full-fledged relations; we must also restore a permanent diplomatic presence and continuous cooperation," Zelensky noted. Secretary of the National Security and Defense Council Rustem Umerov is currently continuing to work in the region to facilitate joint security measures with the relevant countries and expand both defense and economic relations.
"We already have agreements with Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar and Jordan. Oman and Bahrain are also showing interest. For the first time in history, Ukraine is not just represented in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf region, but is a welcome and strong partner there," the head of state emphasized.
The president noted that Ukraine was among the first to provide principled support to the region when the Iranian regime's attacks began, as well as to Syria after the overthrow of the Assad regime. "Now we must take into account the interests of the Iranian people so that everything can proceed with dignity."
"We strive for a dignified peace for ourselves, and that is exactly what we support diplomatically. Our goal is absolutely clear: we need stability and peace in Europe, we need stability and peace in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, as well as in other globally important regions, so that the world does not face problems such as destabilized markets, a destroyed energy sector, disrupted maritime transport, a nuclear threat or food insecurity", Zelensky stressed.
All nations deserve security "and there will also be new security agreements that will certainly strengthen Ukraine", he also noted.
"Currently, many different countries want to cooperate with Ukraine as a security partner, but we are open to cooperation with everyone who supports our sovereignty, our independence and respects our people".