TRANSCRIPT
As Russia launched its latest attack on Ukraine, the message from the United States Commander in Chief is clear; there will be major consequences if Vladimir Putin does not halt his deadly campaign.
Donald Trump has warned Russia to engage in ceasefire negotiations or face heavy sanctions.
"In a financial sense, yeah, we could do things very bad for Russia. It would be devastating for Russia. But I don't want to do that because I want to see peace. And we're getting close to maybe getting something done. We've got Ukraine done. And as you as you know, I've always said that Ukraine might have been the more difficult party. You saw, you were here a week ago and some interesting things happened. I had somebody that didn't seem to want peace. Now he's agreed to peace."
UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, has welcomed the US' efforts to achieve peace between Russia and Ukraine.
"In relation to the ceasefire, we of course will welcome the ceasefire in Ukraine. I mean, too many people have died. A ceasefire is indeed a positive thing. And we hope that it will materialise. And we hope that it will pave the way for peace, a just peace. And you know, what are the parameters that we consider relevant for a just peace? The charter, international law and the resolutions of the General Assembly."
The Russian government reacted cautiously to news Ukraine had accepted a U-S-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal during talks in Saudi Arabia.
Kremlin spokespeople said it needs more details before commenting.
As a result of the talks, the Trump administration resumed U-S military deliveries to Ukraine, while President Zelenskyy agreed to the proposed ceasefire plan, pending Russian approval.
But Russia insists on a broader agreement for a lasting resolution.
President Putin has called for Ukrainian forces to be pushed out of the Kursk region.
Hinting at further territorial expansion, he says Russia should consider creating a security zone along the border.
"Indeed, our task in the near future, in the shortest possible time, is to finally defeat the enemy, who has dug in on the territory of the Kursk region and is still conducting military operations here. To completely liberate the territory of the Kursk region, to restore the situation along the state border line. And, of course, we need to think, I would ask you to think in the future about creating a security zone along the state border. We need to think about this too."
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says if Russia agrees to a US-backed 30-day ceasefire agreement in Ukraine, that would open the door to a step-by-step plan to ending the war.
“After such a step, the proposal that was on the negotiating table yesterday from the American side may come into play—a 30-day period to fully prepare a step-by-step plan for ending the war, including security guarantees for Ukraine. If all of this is done, then after the plan is prepared and its gradual implementation begins, this will lead to the end of the war. After the war ends, martial law will be lifted, and once martial law is lifted, elections will be held in accordance with Ukrainian legislation. No one will deliberately postpone anything."
Meanwhile, in Kryvyi Rih in Ukraine's southeast, residents say they do not believe Mr Putin will sign a ceasefire deal after Russia launched a missile attack on the city.
A 47-year-old woman was killed and five others injured in the attack.
Yuri lives in Kryvyi Rih, in a building damaged by a Russian strike.
“Peace talks are possible when not only one, but two sides have the will to end the war. Unfortunately, we don’t see such a will from Russia’s side. The attacks on civilian infrastructure show this. There are no and there have never been any military objects. The hotel behind us was not operational – nobody stayed there. Why they did it – I don’t know.”
United Nations spokesman Stephane Dujarric has provided an update on the latest Russian strikes on Ukraine.
" Apartment buildings, homes, a hospital, schools and other infrastructures were damaged. Authorities also report disruptions to gas and electricity networks. This morning, in Odesa, we were told that a commercial maritime vessel docked in the port was hit and four sailors were killed. According to the authorities, the civilian vessel was intended to transport grain to Algeria."
Meanwhile, UK Defence Minister John Healey says efforts to form a so-called Coalition of the Willing for Ukraine's security are accelerating.
He made the comment after meeting his French, German, Italian and Polish counterparts.
"The UK and France are jointly leading work on plans to drive the push for peace and drive the arrangements for security guarantees for Ukraine. We're doing this work together, we're cooperating closely with partner nations, and we're looking to build a coalition of the willing from Europe and beyond."
