Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Putin's response to US-proposed truce deal is 'predictable and manipulative'

Zelenskyy claimed he was preparing to reject it.

"Right now, we have all heard from Russia Putin’s highly predictable and manipulative words in response to the idea of a ceasefire on the front lines—at this moment he is, in fact, preparing to reject it," Zelenskyy posted on X.

"Of course, Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians," he said.

"That’s why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out for as long as possible. Putin does this often—he doesn’t say ‘no’ outright, but he drags things out and makes reasonable solutions impossible. We see this as yet another round of Russian manipulation," he said.

Ukraine Accepts Ceasefire

Zelenskyy said Ukraine has accepted the ceasefire truce.

"There was a U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire—in the air, at sea, and on the front lines. We in Ukraine accepted this proposal. We have heard from the American side that there is readiness to organize monitoring and verification. And this is absolutely feasible—with American and European capabilities," he said.

"And during the ceasefire, to prepare answers to all questions about long-term security and a real, lasting peace, and to put a plan to end the war on the table. Ukraine is ready to work as quickly and constructively as possible. We have discussed this with U.S. representatives, and our European partners, as well as all our allies worldwide, are aware of it," he said.

Zelenskyy said Russia is playing an 'unconstructive' role in reaching a peace in the ongoing war.

"We are not setting conditions that complicate the process—Russia is. As we have always said, the only one stalling, the only one being unconstructive, is Russia. They need this war. Putin has stolen years of peace and continues this war day after day," he said.

Putin Thanks PM Modi, Trump

Making his first comment on the United State's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in the Ukraine war, Russian President Vladimir Putin Thursday thanked President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for devoting time to the issue.

"First of all, I would like to start with words of gratitude to the president of the United States, Mr Trump, for paying so much attention to the Ukraine settlement.

"All of us have lots on our plates, but many state leaders, the Chairman of the People's Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India, president of Brazil and South African Republic. They devote a lot of time to this issue, and we are thankful to them because it's all for the noble cause of stopping hostilities and preventing human casualties," Putin was quoted as saying by NDTV.

During a meeting with President Trump at the White House last month, PM Modi stressed that "India is not neutral" on its stand regarding the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.

"India is not neutral. India is siding with peace. I have already said to President Putin that this is not the era of war. I support the efforts taken by President Trump," the Prime Minister had said.

Since the Ukraine conflict began in February last year, PM Modi has spoken to both Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy several times.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has warned his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin of "devastating" financial consequences if his government blocks Ukraine's call for a ceasefire in the Moscow-Kyiv war, media reports said.