The United States has worked tirelessly with both Ukraine and Russia, seeking a path to peace. “We want an end to this war,” declared John Kelley, Acting U.S. Alternate Representative in remarks before the United Nations Security Council.
“As the first step on the path to peace, the United States put forward a proposal for an immediate, unconditional, and comprehensive ceasefire. Ukraine unequivocally accepted, pending Russia’s agreement to do the same. Since then, we have been urging Russia to accept a ceasefire.”
Following President Donald Trump’s May 21 call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Russian Federation is expected to provide a broad outline of its vision for a ceasefire. “We will judge Russia’s seriousness towards ending the war not only by the contents of that [outline], but more importantly, by Russia’s actions,” said Ambassador Kelley.
The United States condemns Russia’s recent decision to launch some of the largest missile and drone strikes against Ukraine since the beginning of the war, said Ambassador Kelley.
“On the other hand,” noted Ambassador Kelley, “the recent agreement, by both Russia and Ukraine, to exchange one thousand prisoners is an indication of what might be possible.”
“If both Russia and Ukraine are truly interested in peace, the United States will work with both parties, with European partners, and with the United Nations to help achieve that goal, beginning with a meaningful ceasefire. But we will insist that the discussion of peace by both sides must be undertaken in good faith.”
As President Trump has made clear, the United States wants to work with Russia on this peace initiative and an economic package. “There is no military solution to this conflict. The deal on offer now is Russia’s best possible outcome. President Putin should take the deal,” stressed Ambassador Kelley.
Continuing to wage the war would not be in anyone’s interest, including Russia’s, said Ambassador Kelley.
“Additional sanctions on Russia are still on the table. President Trump has emphasized from the beginning that this war was a strategic mistake and should never have happened; time is not on the side of anyone who would prolong it.”
“We call on both Russia and Ukraine,” said Ambassador Kelley, “to make the difficult, historic decision to pursue peace.”
The United States has worked tirelessly with both Ukraine and Russia, seeking a path to peace. “We want an end to this war,” declared John Kelley, Acting U.S. Alternate Representative in remarks before the United Nations Security Council.
