Zelenskiy, welcoming Iran de-escalation, says Ukraine ready for ceasefire with Russia

KYIV, April 8 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he ​welcomed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, adding ‌that Kyiv was ready to “respond in kind” if Moscow ceased strikes.

“Ukraine has always called for a ceasefire in ​the war waged by Russia here in Europe ​against our state and our people, and ⁠we support the ceasefire in the Middle East ​and the Gulf that paves the way for diplomatic ​efforts,” he wrote on X.

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“It is obvious to everyone that a ceasefire can create the right preconditions for agreements,” ​he added.

Ukraine had previously praised U.S. “decisiveness” in ​attacking Iran, which is a close ally of Russia and has ‌supplied ⁠thousands of drones that have been used to hit Ukraine.

Kyiv has repeatedly called for Moscow to agree to a full ceasefire in its four-year war ​so that ​the two ⁠sides can negotiate a peace deal. Russia says it wants comprehensive terms for ​peace to be agreed before it ​stops fighting.

⁠Ukraine has also sent more than 200 specialists to the Middle East to help counter Iran’s drone ⁠attacks.

“Ukrainian ​expert military teams will continue ​to work in the region to help further develop security capabilities,” ​Zelenskiy said.

Reporting by Max Hunder; Editing by Kate Mayberry

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