President of Ukraine has stated that Russia has openly refused to observe the ceasefire 34 days ago and that Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin remains focused on continuing the war.

“It’s been 34 days since Ukraine responded positively to the US proposal for a full and unconditional ceasefire – to stop all strikes such as those on the cities of Sumy, Kryvyi Rih, Dnipro, Kupiansk and Beryslav, as well as along the entire front line. And for 34 days now, Russia has been openly ignoring it. Today – just like throughout the years – Putin is focused on continuing the war”, - said Volodymyr Zelensky.

As he noted, Russian state propagandists are preparing their audience for the idea that diplomacy and negotiations will not bring results: “And there is only one reason for this – Moscow is not afraid right now. And if there is no sufficiently strong pressure on Russia, they will keep doing what they’re used to – they will keep fighting”.

He also reported that a Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s Staff meeting had been held earlier. The agenda included discussions on the corps structure in the Armed Forces, talks with partners regarding a security contingent and air defence for Ukraine.