US-Led Ceasefire Proposal Met with Skepticism by Russia
Moscow Rejects Temporary Deal, Demands Long-Term Settlement
US negotiators arrived in Russia on Thursday to present a 30-day ceasefire plan in Ukraine, but Moscow has warned it will refuse any temporary deal that gives Kyiv a "breather". The proposal was agreed upon by Ukraine and US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday, as US President Donald Trump pushes for a speedy end to the more than three-year conflict.
Russian President Vladimir Putin will likely give his assessment of the proposal later on Thursday, according to Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov.
Russia’s Red Lines
Russia has set out its red lines ahead of the talks, ruling out foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine and potential sanctions relief. Moscow wants any settlement to be long-term and secure its interests, rather than a temporary deal that would give Ukraine a "breather". Ushakov called the 30-day ceasefire proposal a "hasty" plan that "is not in favour of a long-term settlement".
"It would be nothing more than a temporary breather for the Ukrainian military," he said following a call with Waltz.
Battle for Kursk
Meanwhile, Russia claimed rapid advances in the Kursk region, where Kyiv launched a cross-border assault last August. The Russian defence ministry said it had "liberated" Sudzha along with two other settlements in the border region.
Ukraine’s Struggle
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the fact Russia was yet to respond to the idea showed it did not want peace. "Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made," he said on social media. "This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible."
Conclusion
The US-led ceasefire proposal has been met with skepticism by Russia, which is demanding a long-term settlement that secures its interests. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement, and a permanent solution is desperately needed. The international community must continue to pressure both sides to find a peaceful resolution.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the US-led ceasefire proposal?
The proposal is for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, agreed upon by Ukraine and US officials in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday. - What are Russia’s red lines?
Russia has ruled out foreign peacekeepers in Ukraine and potential sanctions relief, and is demanding a long-term settlement that secures its interests. - What is the current situation in the Kursk region?
Russia has claimed rapid advances in the region, with the Russian defence ministry saying it has "liberated" Sudzha and two other settlements. Ukraine’s commander-in-chief has hinted that some of its troops are pulling back in the region.