PRZEMYSL: President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for direct negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, after Kyiv and its European allies known as for a 30-day ceasefire, is “not sufficient”, French President Emmanuel Macron mentioned on Sunday. “An unconditional ceasefire just isn’t preceded by negotiations, by definition,” Macron instructed reporters as he stepped off a practice within the Polish metropolis of Przemysl on his return from a visit to Ukraine, including that Putin was “in search of a approach out, however he nonetheless desires to purchase time”.Western allies have repeatedly accused Putin of delaying techniques with reference to any potential bid to finish the battle in Ukraine, which has dragged on since February 2022.Requested if this was one other such instance, Macron replied: “Sure, it’s.”Macron visited Kyiv on Saturday with the leaders of Germany, Britain and Poland, with the 4 of them and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy calling for a 30-day unconditional ceasefire beginning on Monday.Macron warned that Russia would face “large sanctions” if it didn’t comply.The USA and different international locations again the proposal, the leaders mentioned.Talking on the Kremlin within the early hours of Sunday, Putin proposed direct negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul within the coming days however didn’t deal with the 30-day ceasefire proposal.“It is a approach of not answering… of exhibiting that he’s dedicated whereas additionally making an attempt to keep up ambiguity within the eyes of the Individuals,” Macron mentioned. “We have to stand agency with the Individuals and say that the ceasefire is unconditional after which we are able to talk about the remaining,” he added.Macron additionally mentioned that Putin’s proposal was “unacceptable for the Ukrainians as a result of they can not settle for parallel discussions whereas they proceed to be bombed”.He additionally forged doubt on whether or not Zelenskyy would conform to talks in Istanbul given the “sophisticated” Russian-Ukrainian negotiations held there shortly after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
