WASHINGTON, May 21 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said yesterday that he expects Russia to present a ceasefire proposal for Ukraine within days — a move that could reveal Moscow’s true intentions — as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of stalling for time.
WASHINGTON, May 21 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said yesterday that he expects Russia to present a ceasefire proposal for Ukraine within days — a move that could reveal Moscow’s true intentions — as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of stalling for time.
On Monday, President Donald Trump held separate phone conversations with both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin, following a rare meeting between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul on Friday — their first direct talks in three years.
Putin has repeatedly dismissed Kyiv’s proposal, supported by Western allies, for a 30-day ceasefire. However, Rubio noted that both Putin and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov signaled they would soon offer their own conditions — potentially within the week.
Rubio said the Russian proposal would likely lay out “broad terms” for a potential ceasefire, which could pave the way for detailed peace negotiations. “This presentation will tell us a lot about their true intentions,” he said. “If it’s a workable proposal, that’s one thing. But if it contains unrealistic demands, that would be very telling.”
Following his call with Trump, Putin stated he was open to working with Ukraine on a “memorandum” outlining a roadmap and the different positions regarding an end to the conflict.
Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced that Pope Leo XIV has expressed willingness to host further discussions at the Vatican, according to her office.
Zelensky: ‘Russia is stalling’
Addressing criticism from lawmakers, Rubio insisted that Trump had not offered Putin any concessions. Still, he acknowledged that Russia has yet to show any increased flexibility since Trump assumed office in January with promises to resolve the conflict through dialogue.
Zelensky, however, warned of Moscow’s ulterior motives. “It’s obvious that Russia is trying to buy time to continue its war and occupation,” he said in a social media post.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, echoed that sentiment, noting that Putin’s decision not to attend the Istanbul meeting — despite Trump and Zelensky’s willingness — suggests Russia is committed to prolonging the war.
The European Union yesterday approved its 17th package of sanctions against Moscow, targeting 200 vessels from Russia’s so-called shadow maritime fleet.
Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s Direct Investment Fund and the lead economic negotiator with Washington, criticized the move. “Western politicians and media are doing everything they can to sabotage constructive dialogue between Russia and the United States,” he said.
Rubio also revealed that Trump currently opposes additional sanctions, fearing they might deter Russia from further peace discussions.
With Russian forces advancing on the battlefield and the Kremlin no longer isolated by the West under Trump’s leadership, Moscow appears emboldened. Political analyst Konstantin Kalachev said the proposed memorandum buys Russia more time without requiring a ceasefire, allowing it to continue its offensive.
Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has devastated much of the country’s east, killed tens of thousands, and now controls about 20 percent of Ukrainian territory.
Doubt and disillusionment on both sides
Despite Trump’s diplomatic efforts, skepticism remains high in both Kyiv and Moscow. In the Ukrainian capital, retired teacher Victoria Kyseliova expressed her frustration: “I never had faith in him — and now I have none at all.”
Vitaliy, a 53-year-old engineer, added, “Trump is no messiah. His diplomatic flurry hasn’t changed anything.”
Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said Trump’s recent outreach had only deepened uncertainty. “Rather than clarifying the path forward, his involvement has muddled the situation further,” he said, accusing Trump of falling for Putin’s tactic of using negotiations as cover to intensify the war.
In Moscow, however, defiance remained strong. “We don’t need these negotiations. We’ll win anyway,” said Marina, a 70-year-old former engineer. — AFP
WASHINGTON, May 21 — US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said yesterday that he expects Russia to present a ceasefire proposal for Ukraine within days — a move that could reveal Moscow’s true intentions — as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accused the Kremlin of stalling for time.
TOKYO, May 21 — Japan’s Agriculture Minister Taku Eto resigned today following public outrage over his comment that he never buys rice because he receives so much of it for free, a remark seen as insensitive amid rising food prices.
KUALA LUMPUR, May 21 — The National Registration Department (NRD) will review disciplinary actions against officers found to be negligent or who failed to act on delays in processing identity card (IC) applications.