Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia is attempting to strengthen its military position before agreeing to any ceasefire in Ukraine.
"They want a stronger position before the ceasefire," Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday. He further added, "I think the delaying of the process is exactly because of what I said. They want to improve their situation on the battlefield."
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-is-lying-to-everyone-zelensky-demands-strong-pressure-on-russia-blasts-moscows-delaying-tactics-8856653" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">&lsquo;Putin is lying to everyone&rsquo;: Zelensky demands &lsquo;strong pressure&rsquo; on Russia, blasts Moscow&rsquo;s &lsquo;delaying tactics&rsquo;</a>
<h2>Zelensky appoints team of negotiators for possible peace talks</h2>
In a step towards possible peace negotiations, Zelensky has appointed an official delegation to represent Kyiv in any future talks aimed at ending the war, which has now lasted more than three years. According to a presidential decree issued on Saturday, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, will lead the delegation. Other members include Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff Pavlo Palisa.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-coalition-of-the-willing-uk-keir-starmer-france-emmanuel-macron-nato-unite-to-push-russia-into-ceasefire-as-putin-stalls-8856438" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">'Will build Ukraine&rsquo;s own defences': UK, France, NATO unite to push Russia into ceasefire as Putin 'stalls'</a>
Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky joined a virtual meeting of the "coalition of the willing" alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The leaders discussed continued support for Ukraine and stressed the urgency of securing a commitment to peace from Russia. The meeting, attended by representatives from 26 nations, highlighted ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine, according to Downing Street.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-to-revive-his-travel-ban-43-nations-on-the-chopping-block-including-russia-and-iran-8856103">Trump to revive his travel ban: 43 nations on the chopping block, including Russia and Iran</a>
Following the discussions, Zelensky shared his statement on the social media platform X, stressing the urgency of pressuring Russia into peace negotiations.
Zelensky said that achieving peace must start "unconditionally" and that if Russia refuses, "strong pressure must be applied until they do. Moscow understands one language."
He also talked about a US-backed ceasefire proposal, introduced on Tuesday, which calls for a 30-day halt to hostilities across air, sea, and land. "This is an American proposal &mdash; a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. In that time, without killings, it would truly be possible to negotiate all aspects of a real peace," he explained.
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However, Zelensky accused Russia of obstructing peace efforts, saying, "A ceasefire could have already happened, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it."
(With inputs from agencies)

World: "They (Russia) want a stronger position before the ceasefire," Ukrainian President Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has claimed that Russia is attempting to strengthen its military position before agreeing to any ceasefire in Ukraine. "They want a stronger position before the ceasefire," Zelensky stated during a press conference in Kyiv on Saturday. He further added, "I think the delaying of the process is exactly because of what I said. They want to improve their situation on the battlefield." Also read: ‘Putin is lying to everyone’: Zelensky demands ‘strong pressure’ on Russia, blasts Moscow’s ‘delaying tactics’ Zelensky appoints team of negotiators for possible peace talks In a step towards possible peace negotiations, Zelensky has appointed an official delegation to represent Kyiv in any future talks aimed at ending the war, which has now lasted more than three years. According to a presidential decree issued on Saturday, his chief of staff, Andriy Yermak, will lead the delegation. Other members include Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga, Defence Minister Rustem Umerov, and Deputy Chief of Presidential Staff Pavlo Palisa. Also read: 'Will build Ukraine’s own defences': UK, France, NATO unite to push Russia into ceasefire as Putin 'stalls' Earlier on Saturday, Zelensky joined a virtual meeting of the "coalition of the willing" alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. The leaders discussed continued support for Ukraine and stressed the urgency of securing a commitment to peace from Russia. The meeting, attended by representatives from 26 nations, highlighted ongoing international efforts to support Ukraine, according to Downing Street. Also read: Trump to revive his travel ban: 43 nations on the chopping block, including Russia and Iran Following the discussions, Zelensky shared his statement on the social media platform X, stressing the urgency of pressuring Russia into peace negotiations. Zelensky said that achieving peace must start "unconditionally" and that if Russia refuses, "strong pressure must be applied until they do. Moscow understands one language." He also talked about a US-backed ceasefire proposal, introduced on Tuesday, which calls for a 30-day halt to hostilities across air, sea, and land. "This is an American proposal — a full, unconditional ceasefire for 30 days. In that time, without killings, it would truly be possible to negotiate all aspects of a real peace," he explained. Also read: Elon Musk's budget scraps organisation that helped find Ukrainian children kidnapped by Russia However, Zelensky accused Russia of obstructing peace efforts, saying, "A ceasefire could have already happened, but Russia is doing everything to prevent it." (With inputs from agencies)

'They want a stronger position': Zelensky reveals why Russia is stalling a ceasefire

The United States and Ukraine finalised a 30-day ceasefire plan for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on Tuesday (March 11). However, the Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the plan finalised after the nine-hour long meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.&nbsp;
Although, the full details of the plan is yet to be released, here's what we know so far.&nbsp;
<h2>'A total ceasefire'?&nbsp;</h2>
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-considers-bringing-back-conscription-for-the-first-time-since-ww2-as-fears-of-putins-growing-aggression-mount-report-8852527">UK considers bringing back conscription for the first time since WW2, as fears of Putin's growing aggression mount - Report</a>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to &ldquo;enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire which can be extended&rdquo; after the Tuesday meeting.&nbsp;
But the US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House after the meeting, said the deal was for &ldquo;a total ceasefire&rdquo;.&nbsp;
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<h2>Improved US-Ukraine relations?&nbsp;</h2>
The Jeddah talks were also in many context focused to create a better US-Ukraine relationship - especially after Zelesnky-Trump heated meeting in the White House.&nbsp;
After the White House brawl, the Trump administration suspended all the military aid, including deliveries of ammunition apart from cutting off vital intelligence sharing for Ukraine.
After the talks were over, the US agreed to immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/promising-but-not-complete-trump-reacts-to-putins-remark-on-ukraine-ceasefire-says-will-talk-to-him-8851730">'Promising but not complete': Trump reacts to Putin's remark on Ukraine ceasefire, says 'will talk to him'</a>
<h2>No minerals deal so far&nbsp;</h2>
The Jeddah talks were also expected to open doors for the pending minerals deal between Ukraine and US - a discussion which led to a heated argument between the supremos of both nations.&nbsp;
According to the Tuesday deal Trump and Zelensky &ldquo;agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine&rsquo;s critical mineral resources&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-meets-saudi-crown-prince-in-jeddah-rubio-says-no-military-solution-to-ukraine-conflict-8841369">Zelensky meets Saudi crown prince in Jeddah; Rubio says 'no military solution' to Ukraine conflict</a>
<h2>Ball in Russia's court?</h2>
After the talks, Zelensky issued a televised statement saying Ukraine was committed to seeking peace but that it was &ldquo;up to the United States to convince Russia to do the same&rdquo;.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, the US state secretary Marco Rubio said the ball was &ldquo;now in Russia&rsquo;s court&rdquo;.
Putin thanked Trump for trying to get a truce done, but suggested that he would not agree to it in its current form.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-launches-massive-drone-strike-at-moscow-as-zelensky-prepares-to-talk-truce-with-us-in-saudi-arabia-8841823">Ukraine launches 'massive' drone strike at Moscow as Zelensky prepares to talk truce with US in Saudi Arabia</a>
"We agree with the proposal for a ceasefire to cease hostilities, but we proceed from the fact that this ceasefire should lead to an enduring peace, and should remove the root causes of this crisis," said the Russian President.
(With inputs from agencies)

WORLD | The Jeddah talks were also in many context focused to create a better US-Ukraine relationship - especially after Zelesnky-Trump heated meeting in the White House.

The United States and Ukraine finalised a 30-day ceasefire plan for the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war on Tuesday (March 11). However, the Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected the plan finalised after the nine-hour long meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Although, the full details of the plan is yet to be released, here's what we know so far. 'A total ceasefire'? Also read: UK considers bringing back conscription for the first time since WW2, as fears of Putin's growing aggression mount - Report Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreed to “enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire which can be extended” after the Tuesday meeting. But the US President Donald Trump, speaking to reporters outside the White House after the meeting, said the deal was for “a total ceasefire”. Also read: Putin gives ultimatum to Ukrainian troops to 'surrender or die'; Zelensky exposes Russian president's 'real' war plan Improved US-Ukraine relations? The Jeddah talks were also in many context focused to create a better US-Ukraine relationship - especially after Zelesnky-Trump heated meeting in the White House. After the White House brawl, the Trump administration suspended all the military aid, including deliveries of ammunition apart from cutting off vital intelligence sharing for Ukraine. After the talks were over, the US agreed to immediately lift the pause on intelligence sharing and resume security assistance to Ukraine. Also read: 'Promising but not complete': Trump reacts to Putin's remark on Ukraine ceasefire, says 'will talk to him' No minerals deal so far The Jeddah talks were also expected to open doors for the pending minerals deal between Ukraine and US - a discussion which led to a heated argument between the supremos of both nations. According to the Tuesday deal Trump and Zelensky “agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement for developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources”. Also read: Zelensky meets Saudi crown prince in Jeddah; Rubio says 'no military solution' to Ukraine conflict Ball in Russia's court? After the talks, Zelensky issued a televised statement saying Ukraine was committed to seeking peace but that it was “up to the United States to convince Russia to do the same”. Meanwhile, the US state secretary Marco Rubio said the ball was “now in Russia’s court”. Putin thanked Trump for trying to get a truce done, but suggested that he would not agree to it in its current form. Also read: Ukraine launches 'massive' drone strike at Moscow as Zelensky prepares to talk truce with US in Saudi Arabia "We agree with the proposal for a ceasefire to cease hostilities, but we proceed from the fact that this ceasefire should lead to an enduring peace, and should remove the root causes of this crisis," said the Russian President. (With inputs from agencies)

What’s in Trump's Ukraine ceasefire deal and why Russian President Putin rejected it?

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the Washington&nbsp;Post, citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;

The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure.&nbsp;

Moscow has&nbsp;been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks.&nbsp;

However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart&nbsp; Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated.

But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East".&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-incursion-into-russia-day-11-ukraine-says-strengthening-positions-in-kursk-750997">Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk</a>

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&nbsp;

<h2>Ukraine's&nbsp;Kursk offensive&nbsp;</h2>

Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year.&nbsp;

Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-penetrating-2km-deeper-into-russias-kursk-india-issues-advisory-750172">Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky&nbsp;</a>

The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year.

However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the Washington Post, citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure. Moscow has been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks. However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated. But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time. The Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East". Watch | Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk × Ukraine's Kursk offensive Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year. Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6. Also read | Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year. However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...

Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's suggestion of a ceasefire in Ukraine to freeze the war was rejected by the United States after contacts between intermediaries, three Russian sources with knowledge of the discussions told Reuters. The failure of Putin's approach ushers in a third year of the deadliest conflict in Europe since World War Two and illustrates just how far apart the world's two largest nuclear powers remain. A US source denied there had been any official contact and said Washington would not engage in talks that did not involve Ukraine. Putin sent signals to Washington in 2023 in public and privately through intermediaries, including through Moscow's Arab partners in the Middle East and others, that he was ready to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, the Russian sources said. Putin was proposing to freeze the conflict at the current lines and was unwilling to cede any of the Ukrainian territory controlled by Russia, but the signal offered what some in the Kremlin saw as the best path towards peace of some kind. "The contacts with the Americans came to nothing," a senior Russian source with knowledge of the discussions in late 2023 and early 2024 told Reuters on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation. A second Russian source with knowledge of the contacts told Reuters that the Americans told Moscow, via the intermediaries, they would not discuss a possible ceasefire without the participation of Ukraine and so the contacts ended in failure. A third source with knowledge of the discussions said: "Everything fell apart with the Americans." The source said that the Americans did not want to pressure Ukraine. The extent of the contacts - and their failure - has not previously been reported. It comes as US President Joe Biden has for months been pushing Congress to approve more aid for Ukraine, but has faced opposition from allies of Republican presidential nomination frontrunner Donald Trump. The Kremlin, the White House, the US State Department and the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) all declined to comment. US says 'no back channel' Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering a full-scale war after eight years of conflict in eastern Ukraine between Ukrainian forces on the one side and pro-Russian Ukrainians and Russian proxies on the other. Ukraine says it is fighting for its existence and the West casts Putin's invasion as an imperial-style land grab that challenges the post-Cold War international order. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says he will never accept Russia's control over Ukrainian land. He has outlawed any contacts with Russia. A US official, speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, said that the US has not engaged in any back-channel discussions with Russia and that Washington had been consistent in not going behind the back of Ukraine. Watch | Russia-Ukraine war: What hope for Ukraine if US military aid dries up? × The US official said that there appeared to have been unofficial "Track II" conversations among Russians not in the government but that the United States was not engaged in them. The US official said Putin's proposal, based on what has been publicly reported, was unchanged from past demands that Russia hold on to Ukrainian territory. The official suggested that there appeared to be frustration in Moscow that Washington had repeatedly refused to accept it. Putin told US talk-show host Tucker Carlson last week that Russia was ready for "dialogue". Contacts Intermediaries met in Turkey in late 2023, according to three Russian sources. A fourth diplomatic source said that there had been Russian-US unofficial contacts through intermediaries at Russia's initiative but that they appeared to have come to nothing. The US official said he was unaware of unofficial contact through intermediaries. According to three Russian sources, Putin's signal was relayed to Washington, where top US officials including White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, Central Intelligence Agency Director Bill Burns and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met. The idea was that Sullivan would speak to Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, and set out the next steps, one of the Russian sources said. But when the call came in January, Sullivan told Ushakov that Washington was willing to talk about other aspects of the relationship but would not speak about a ceasefire without Ukraine, said one of the Russian sources. The US official refused to be drawn on any details of Sullivan's purported calls, or whether such a conversation with Ushakov took place. Also read | Ukraine needs to come up with new strategies to battle, says new army chief Putin 'ready to fight on' One of the Russian sources expressed frustration with the United States over Washington's insistence that it would not nudge Ukraine towards talks given that the United States was helping to fund the war. "Putin said: 'I knew they wouldn't do anything'," another of the Russian sources said. "They cut off the root of the contacts which had taken two months to create." Another Russian source said that the United States did not appear to believe Putin was sincere. "The Americans didn't believe Putin was genuine about a ceasefire - but he was and is - he is ready to discuss a ceasefire. But equally Putin is also ready to fight on for as long as it takes - and Russia can fight for as long as it takes," the Russian source said. The Kremlin sees little point in further contacts with the United States on the issue, the Russian sources said, so the war would continue.

Putin's suggestion of ceasefire in Ukraine rejected by US: Report

US President Joe Biden is not overtly convinced by the temporary ceasefire ordered by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Biden termed Putin's 36-hour ceasefire order an effort to find breathing room for his army.

US President Joe Biden is not overtly convinced by the temporary ceasefire ordered by his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Biden termed Putin's 36-hour ceasefire order an effort to find breathing room for his army. "I'm reluctant to respond to anything that Putin says. I found it interesting that he was willing to bomb hospitals and nurseries and churches on the 25th and New Year's," said Biden before adding, "I think he's trying to find some oxygen." A similar sentiment was echoed by the US State Department which called Putin's ceasefire attempt 'cynical'. "We have little faith in the intentions behind this announcement. If Russia were truly serious about peace, about ending this war, it would withdraw its forces from the sovereign territory of Ukraine," said spokesman Ned Price. WATCH | Russia declares two-day ceasefire in Ukraine for Orthodox Christmas × On Thursday, nearly a year into the war, Putin ordered a ceasefire on January 6 and 7, surprising the rest of the world. Citing 'Orthodox Christmas' as the reason for the truce, Kremlin released an official statement conveying its decision. "Taking into account the appeal of His Holiness Patriarch Kirill, I (Putin) instruct the defence minister of the Russian Federation to introduce from 12:00 (0900 GMT) on January 6, 2023 until 24:00 (2100 GMT) on January 7, 2023, a ceasefire along the entire line of contact between the sides in Ukraine." Read more: Russia-Ukraine war: Putin offers Orthodox Christmas truce, Ukraine rejects it as 'hypocrisy' Notably, the Russian Orthodox Church observes Christmas on January 7. Putin urged the Ukrainian side to allow citizens in the 'war region' to practice their faith without any problem. “Proceeding from the fact that a large number of citizens professing Orthodoxy live in the areas of hostilities, we call on the Ukrainian side to declare a ceasefire and allow them to attend services on Christmas Eve, as well as on Christmas Day." However, akin to Biden, Ukraine wasn't too pleased with Putin's decision. Ukrainian presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak took to Twitter to slam the move and suggested Kremlin keep its 'hypocrisy' to itself. "First. Ukraine doesn't attack foreign territory and doesn't kill civilians. As RF does. Ukraine destroys only members of the occupation army on its territory... Second. RF must leave the occupied territories - only then will it have a "temporary truce". Keep hypocrisy to yourself." First. Ukraine doesn't attack foreign territory & doesn't kill civilians. As RF does. Ukraine destroys only members of the occupation army on its territory... Second. RF must leave the occupied territories - only then will it have a "temporary truce". Keep hypocrisy to yourself. — Михайло Подоляк (@Podolyak_M) January 5, 2023 × Russia invaded Ukraine in February last year. Initially, it was predicted that Moscow would steamroll Kyiv within a matter of few days, if not weeks. However, the war has since stretched and Ukraine has matched Russia, often landing lethal blows in between. Some experts have suggested that the recent deadly Ukrainian strike on Russian troops in Makiivka that killed 89 soldiers may have prompted Putin to take a step back and regroup his army. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

'He's trying to find oxygen': Biden on Putin's 36-hour ceasefire order

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, Kyiv has refused to agree to a ceasefire deal with Moscow that involves giving up territory. As per the latest report from ground zero, Russia has increased the attacks in the eastern and southern parts of the country. It has been understood that Russia is pounding the Donbas and Mykolaiv regions with airstrikes and artillery fire.&nbsp;

Andriy Yermak, who is Ukraine's presidential chief of staff, said in a Twitter post on Sunday: "The war must end with the complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty."&nbsp;

Recently, on Saturday, Mykhailo Podolyak who is Ukraine's lead negotiator and Zelensky adviser also ruled out any territorial concessions.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraines-eu-membership-15-or-20-years-away-says-french-minister-481262">Ukraine's EU membership '15 or 20 years' away, says French minister</a>

Rejecting immediate ceasefire calls, Podolyak said, "The (Russian) forces must leave the country and after that the resumption of the peace process will be possible."&nbsp;

In an interview with the news agency Reuters, Podolyak noted that the concessions would backfire because Russia would use the break in fighting to come back stronger.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-permanently-banned-from-entering-russia-trump-isnt-481116">Biden permanently banned from entering Russia, Trump isn't</a>&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Ukrainian Artist paints to raise funds for war

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On Sunday, Polish President Andrzej Duda told telling lawmakers in Kyiv that there should be global calls for Russia's complete withdrawal from Ukraine.&nbsp;

He noted that sacrificing any territory would be a "huge blow" to the entire West. "Worrying voices have appeared, saying that Ukraine should give in to (President Vladimir) Putin's demands," Duda said.&nbsp;

He added, "Only Ukraine has the right to decide about its future." He was addressing the Ukrainian parliament, becoming the first foreign leader to do so in person since Russia's February 24 invasion.&nbsp;

Recently, immediate ceasefire calls were made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, Kyiv has refused to agree to a ceasefire deal with Moscow that involves giving up territory. As per the latest report from ground zero, Russia has increased the attacks in the eastern and southern parts of the country.

As the Russia-Ukraine war continues to escalate, Kyiv has refused to agree to a ceasefire deal with Moscow that involves giving up territory. As per the latest report from ground zero, Russia has increased the attacks in the eastern and southern parts of the country. It has been understood that Russia is pounding the Donbas and Mykolaiv regions with airstrikes and artillery fire. Andriy Yermak, who is Ukraine's presidential chief of staff, said in a Twitter post on Sunday: "The war must end with the complete restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty." Recently, on Saturday, Mykhailo Podolyak who is Ukraine's lead negotiator and Zelensky adviser also ruled out any territorial concessions. ALSO READ | Ukraine's EU membership '15 or 20 years' away, says French minister Rejecting immediate ceasefire calls, Podolyak said, "The (Russian) forces must leave the country and after that the resumption of the peace process will be possible." In an interview with the news agency Reuters, Podolyak noted that the concessions would backfire because Russia would use the break in fighting to come back stronger. ALSO READ | Biden permanently banned from entering Russia, Trump isn't WATCH | Ukrainian Artist paints to raise funds for war × On Sunday, Polish President Andrzej Duda told telling lawmakers in Kyiv that there should be global calls for Russia's complete withdrawal from Ukraine. He noted that sacrificing any territory would be a "huge blow" to the entire West. "Worrying voices have appeared, saying that Ukraine should give in to (President Vladimir) Putin's demands," Duda said. He added, "Only Ukraine has the right to decide about its future." He was addressing the Ukrainian parliament, becoming the first foreign leader to do so in person since Russia's February 24 invasion. Recently, immediate ceasefire calls were made by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Ukraine rules out ceasefire or any territorial concessions to Russia