U.S. President Donald Trump's proposal for "an immediate ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine was contrary to what was agreed at the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska in August, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Tuesday.
On Sunday, Trump reiterated his appeal for an immediate ceasefire of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, saying "they should stop where they are. Let both claim victory".
However, Lavrov said he believes Trump's demand basically neglects the root causes of the conflict and goes against the understandings reached between him and President Putin previously, emphasizing that Russia's military goals are being gradually achieved.
European leaders and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky voiced support for Trump's proposal that "the fighting should stop immediately, and that the current line of contact should be the starting point of negotiations" in a joint statement released on Tuesday.
Zelensky also said that Ukraine will sign a new defense deal with its European partners this week, which will become a long-term security guarantee, providing sustained protection to the country and its people.
Trump’s demand for “immediate ceasefire” contradicts understanding reached with Putin: Lavrov
Trump’s demand for “immediate ceasefire” contradicts understanding reached with Putin: Lavrov
A cultural exchange event in Guangzhou saw teenagers from China and the United States gather to promote mutual understanding and friendship through music and other art forms.
Kicking off the new year, young performers from the American One Voice Children's Choir returned to Guangzhou, capital of south China's Guangdong Province, for another visit, engaging in face-to-face cultural exchanges with local youth.
During their time together, the teenagers visited the top of the city's landmark Canton Tower, and joined their voices in heartfelt rendition of the emotionally rich Cantonese classic "Friends."
"I think music is so powerful and creates such a bond between people. I mean, I'm not really understanding the words of this song, but I just know that it's so powerful to everybody and just music can span gaps that words can't always fill," said Cody, a member of One Voice Children's Choir.
Beyond singing, the young visitors also participated in hands-on cultural experiences including calligraphy and handcrafted fans making with their Guangzhou peers, immersing themselves in the charm of Chinese aesthetics and Eastern civilization.
Teenagers from both countries said that this event gave them a deeper understanding for the power of cultural exchange in strengthening China-U.S. friendship. Many primary school students in Guangzhou shared their hope that such activities would be held more frequently.
"We'd like to have more of these China-U.S. exchange activities," said Li Ziyu, a primary school student.
"In areas like music and sports, which have no borders, we can enhance cooperation," said another student, Zhang Bolun.
Music gathering in Guangzhou deepens friendship between Chinese, US teens
