Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reiterated a call for a limited truce in the skies and at sea, as originally proposed by French President, Emmanuel Macron.
In an interview, Macron had proposed a four-week truce in the “air, sea and on energy infrastructure” that would not cover fighting along the frontline in the east, as this would be complex to “monitor.”
France’s Foreign Minister, Joel-Noel Barrot reiterated that a temporary pause would allow European allies to determine whether Russia was acting in “good faith” when committing to a true.
Reiterating this call, Zelenskyy asserted that there must be “silence” in the seas and skies over Ukraine.
“The first steps toward real peace must include forcing the sole source of this war, Russia, to stop such attacks against life. And this is something that can be effectively monitored. Silence in the skies – banning the use of missiles, long-range drones, and aerial bombs. And silence at sea – a real guarantee of normal navigation.
“Ukraine is ready to pursue the path to peace, and it is Ukraine that strives for peace from the very first second of this war. The task is to force Russia to stop the war.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
This came as he responded to overnight attacks by Russia, calling it another massive attack on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
Zelenskyy disclosed that various facilities were targeted in regions such as Odesa, Poltava, Chernihiv, and Ternopil. “In total, the Russians used nearly 70 missiles, both cruise and ballistic, as well as almost 200 attack drones,” he said.
“All of this was directed against infrastructure that ensures normal life. Currently, repair and restoration work is ongoing wherever needed. Unfortunately, ordinary residential buildings have also been damaged. In Kharkiv, a Russian missile hit close to an apartment building. People were injured. They are receiving the necessary assistance.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
He expressed gratitude to France, saying that F-16 fighter jets and Mirage aircraft provided by the country were used to protect Ukrainian skies. “In particular, the Mirages successfully intercepted Russian cruise missiles,” he said.
He also recognized the performance of anti-aircraft missile forces, army aviation, all electronic warfare units, and mobile fire groups.
Ukraine’s Energy Minister, Herman Halushchenko described the attack as “massive” in a post on social media.
“Russia is trying to hurt ordinary Ukrainians by striking energy and gas production facilities, without abandoning its goal of leaving us without light and heat, and causing the greatest harm to ordinary citizens.”
Herman Halushchenko
In response, Kremlin Spokesman, Dmitry Peskov said that energy supplies were a legitimate target in the war, as they were linked to Ukraine’s “military industrial complex and weapons production.”
Turkey Voices Support For Air, Sea Truce
Meanwhile, Turkish President, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan threw his support behind a call by French President, Emmanuel Macron and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for an aerial and sea truce in the Russian aggression on Ukraine.
Erdoğan told an online meeting organised by the EU, “We support the idea of establishing a ceasefire as soon as possible and stopping attacks in the air and at sea as a confidence-building measure between the parties.”
Erdoğan, who controls NATO’s second strongest army after the US, offered his comments shortly after Zelenskyy reiterated his call for a limited truce along these lines after overnight attacks from Russia.
The Turkish president also stressed the importance of a strong diplomatic foundation where both sides fighting for a fair and honorable peace are at the table. “While doing this, we also strongly supported the territorial integrity and independence of our strategic partner, Ukraine,” Erdogan said.
Erdogan underlined the importance of including his country in mechanisms as the European Peace Facility, focused on the reconstruction and revitalization of Ukraine.
Erdogan concluded his words by reaffirming Ankara’s readiness “to make every possible contribution, including hosting the negotiation process, to establish a fair, lasting, and honorable peace in Ukraine.”
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