Zelenskiy's Diplomacy Push: Easter Truce and U.S. Talks Amid Russian Airstrikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy condemned Russia for responding to his proposed Easter truce with airstrikes. He welcomed fresh talks with U.S. negotiators, including Steve Witkoff and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, in efforts to resolve the four-year conflict. Zelenskiy's talks with the U.S. included discussions on security guarantees for a future peace deal.

Amid ongoing tensions between NATO and Washington, Secretary General Mark Rutte also joined the call with Zelenskiy. The peace discussions aim to end Europe's bloodiest conflict since World War Two. Zelenskiy emphasized to U.S. negotiators the potential of an Easter ceasefire to signal that diplomacy can work.

The President spoke with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, updating him on Ukraine's battlefield situation and his ceasefire proposal. Zelenskiy highlighted Ukraine's recent strikes on Russian oil infrastructure, which have curtailed a significant portion of Russia's export capacity. He indicated that suspending such strikes is possible if Russia halts its attacks on Ukraine's energy sector.