Russia demands lifting of sanctions for ceasefire in Ukraine

President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia could try to secure the lifting of international sanctions on certain companies in exchange for a ceasefire in Ukraine, warning that such proposals carry significant risks for Kiev.

Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg on Thursday, Zelensky said Moscow is raising the issue of easing sanctions, including restrictions on Russia's access to the SWIFT banking system, as part of discussions about a possible ceasefire, Ukrinform reported.

"I think Russia could raise the issue of a ceasefire in exchange for lifting sanctions on certain companies," Zelensky said. "I know they are raising the issue of lifting sanctions on SWIFT so that their banks can operate. For Ukraine, all this is a big risk."

The comments come amid claims by the Kremlin that Russian President Vladimir Putin discussed possible ceasefire agreements with US President Donald Trump during a 90-minute phone call on Wednesday, with Moscow signaling it may seek territorial concessions through negotiations rather than continuing fighting.

Zelensky has urged the United States and European countries to continue sanctions pressure on Russia and not give in to Moscow's attempts to weaken existing restrictions.

The president also confirmed that invitations remain open for US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner to visit Kiev, adding that Ukrainian officials remain in regular contact with their American counterparts.

Zelensky said Ukraine does not want Russia's proposed ceasefire around May 9, when Moscow marks Victory Day, to turn into a tactical maneuver designed to protect Russia's military parade rather than truly reduce hostilities on the front line.

He noted that many countries, including Ukraine, commemorate the end of World War II on May 8 and said it remains unclear what conditions Putin has in mind regarding a ceasefire.

"They want the parade to go smoothly for a few hours and then resume the attacks," Zelensky said. "We don't want any ceasefire to become a tactical deception on the part of the Russian Federation."

At the same time, Zelensky said that Ukraine supports genuine ceasefire initiatives that help protect civilians and facilitate the exchange of prisoners.

"We always respond positively to real proposals for a ceasefire with Russia, if they exist," he said.

Zelensky also warned that a shift in the US's strategic focus towards the Middle East could weaken pressure on Russia and risk prolonging the war.

The GeoPost