Zelensky supports the cessation of strikes on the energy sector but warned of Russia's offensive plans.

Zelensky: Russia is preparing to intensify its offensive in several directions

The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, reported that Russia plans to launch an offensive in several directions to force Ukraine into submission and issue ultimatums by force. He stated this at a press conference with journalists.

“Putin wants to carry out several offensive actions in the Zaporizhia direction, in the east, in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions. Why? To exert maximum pressure on Ukraine and then issue ultimatums by force,” Zelensky emphasized.

The President hopes to speak with American President Donald Trump after his meeting with Putin.

“I hope that we can talk to President Trump, and we will understand the details. We have always supported the position of not using weapons against the energy sector,” Zelensky noted.

The President of Ukraine emphasizes that he would like Trump to 'hear and see what Putin wants.'

Context

The day before, The New York Times reported that the President of Russia agreed only to a temporary cessation of strikes on the energy infrastructure of Ukraine for 30 days, which is significantly less than the complete ceasefire proposed by the USA and supported by Ukraine.

After a phone conversation between Trump and Putin on March 18, the White House announced an agreement to cease strikes on the energy and infrastructure sectors, technical negotiations regarding a maritime truce in the Black Sea, and further consultations on a complete ceasefire.

Trump himself noted on his social media, Truth Social, that the parties 'agreed to an immediate ceasefire regarding energy and infrastructure' and plan to work towards achieving 'a complete ceasefire and finally ENDING this terrible conflict.'