Zelensky's comments come after Putin agreed fighting must end but any plan must remove the "underlying causes of this crisis".

U.S. officials were in Moscow for talks, and the Russian leader said he was open to a cease-fire, but President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed skepticism.

Ukrainian President Zelensky criticiSed Putin’s response to a proposed ceasefire, calling it manipulative. He accused Russia of complicating negotiations and claimed Putin is preparing to refuse the ceasefire while expressing concerns over military advantages Ukraine could gain.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday that Russia's Vladimir Putin is preparing a rejection of a ceasefire proposal, but is scared to say this directly to U.S. President Donald Trump.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Wednesday that his acceptance of a ceasefire proposal should show that Ukraine is willing to work towards peace. "I think that today we had to demonstrate to the whole world our readiness,