Zelenskyy Refuses Talks; Russia Resumes Operation

Feb. 26, 2022 (EIRNS)—Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy went back on his offer accepting Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to negotiate peace and a ceasefire, despite Russia’s claims that it ceased operations in light of its request. Now operations have been resumed.

“Yesterday afternoon, in connection with the expected negotiations with the Ukrainian leadership, the Russian president and supreme commander ordered the suspension of the advance of the main forces,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, addressing reporters on Feb. 26. “Since the Ukrainian side essentially refused to negotiate, the advance of the main Russian forces resumed this afternoon in accordance with the operational plan.”

Belarusian President Alexandr Lukashenko said he proposed talks in Minsk from day one of the fighting. “Vladimir Putin called me and said ... Well, various games are being played over there. Some want [talks in] Warsaw and some [in] America. Listen, Kiev is virtually surrounded while they keep prating. People are dying while they keep prating.”

Lukashenko accused some foreign actors of encouraging and “pushing” Kiev to keep fighting, and promising aid in the form of fighters from Afghanistan, the Middle East and private military companies. “These are professional warriors, professional killers. And if they get involved, you can imagine what will happen in Ukraine,” he said.