Ukraine and U.S. support Christmas truce idea, but decision is up to Russian Federation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Kiev and Washington support the idea of a ceasefire for the Christmas and New Year holidays. However, as the Ukrainian leader noted, the implementation of this initiative fully depends on the political will of the Russian Federation.

According to Ukrayinska Pravda, the idea of a holiday truce was proposed on Monday by German Chancellor Friedrich Merz. Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that the proposal was voiced both officially and during bilateral talks.

«Friedrich has indeed proposed such an idea. And it was announced by him today both officially and during our talks. The United States of America supports such an idea. I, as President, certainly support such an idea, » the publication quoted Zelensky as saying.

The Ukrainian President emphasized that Kiev is ready to support any ceasefire, including an «energy» ceasefire, but Moscow’s position remains the key factor. «A lot of things probably depend on Russia’s political will in this sense, » Zelensky noted. Earlier, he also said that Ukraine is ready for an «energy truce» with Russia, provided there is a similar readiness on the part of the Russian Federation.

We shall remind you that the head of the UGCC, Sviatoslav Shevchuk, made a statement in which he spoke out against proposals for a peaceful settlement of the conflict in Ukraine through territorial concessions. Speaking at a Uniate cathedral in Australia, he questioned the effectiveness of such an approach, saying that Ukraine should not agree to demands that are acceptable to Russia.