Ukraine's Push for Peace Talks Hits Roadblocks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is pushing for urgent meetings with President Donald Trump and European leaders to advance peace talks with Russia. However, progress is slow, and Russia's actions are causing frustration. Russia's recent attacks on Ukraine have killed at least 23 people, including four children. This has led to a day of mourning in the Kyiv region. Despite these attacks, Russia claims it is ready for negotiations but insists on lengthy preparations. Zelenskyy accuses Russia of stalling talks by insisting on extensive groundwork before any high-level meetings. He believes leaders should be directly involved to make real progress. Meanwhile, Russia maintains that expert-level discussions must come first. Ukraine has accepted a U. S. proposal for a ceasefire and a meeting between Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, Moscow has raised objections, further delaying the process. Zelenskyy is also calling for stronger sanctions on countries trading with Russia and better security guarantees from Western nations. He stresses the need for a steady supply of weapons to deter future invasions. The recent attacks have highlighted Ukraine's need for advanced air defense systems. The international community is watching closely, with upcoming meetings at the U. N. General Assembly likely to address the conflict. Despite efforts, the path to peace remains uncertain. Both sides seem to be playing a waiting game, with Russia showing little willingness to engage constructively.