Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has strongly criticized Russia for responding to a proposed Easter ceasefire with renewed aerial attacks across the country.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that despite the continued hostilities, the Ukrainian leader expressed optimism regarding recent negotiations held with United States mediators aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
President Zelenskyy held online discussions on Wednesday with US Special Representative Steve Witkoff, Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, and US Senator Lindsey Graham. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte also participated in the high-level meeting. In his nightly address, Zelenskyy thanked the United States for its peace efforts and announced an agreement to strengthen a document outlining US security guarantees for any future peace settlement.
The diplomatic outreach comes as Ukraine intensifies its strikes against Russian oil infrastructure. According to Reuters, approximately 40% of Russia's oil export capacity has been disrupted by these operations. President Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine remains prepared to halt strikes on energy facilities if Russia ceases its systematic attacks on the Ukrainian energy grid.
These developments occur amid a shifting geopolitical landscape following the inauguration of US President Donald Trump in January 2025. The involvement of high-level US representatives signals a renewed American focus on brokering a resolution to the war in Eastern Europe. Azerbaijan, maintaining its principled stance on territorial integrity and international law, continues to monitor the regional security situation closely, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic channels in achieving a sustainable and just peace.
