President Trump is set to challenge Putin for a 30-day ceasefire following Ukraine’s approval. U.S. Secretary of State Rubio stated it is now up to Russia to respond. Ukraine expressed readiness for peace, but skepticism exists regarding Putin’s willingness to agree. The situation remains tense, with military actions continuing amid diplomatic efforts.
Donald Trump is set to challenge Vladimir Putin to agree to a 30-day ceasefire after receiving Ukraine’s endorsement for his initiative to end the ongoing conflict. The U.S. President plans to contact his Russian counterpart this week, emphasizing that mutual agreement is essential, as Ukraine has proposed laying down arms, marking the first potential pause in hostilities since the invasion began three years ago.
Following extensive discussions with a Ukrainian delegation in Riyadh lasting over eight hours, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the “ball is now in Russia’s court” and expressed hope that Russia would respond affirmatively. He indicated that a negative response would clarify the obstacles to achieving peace.
As the situation escalated with intense shelling in Dnipro and casualties reported in Odesa, there was no indication from Russia regarding its willingness to accept the proposed truce. Ukraine revealed its readiness for a ceasefire after the U.S. pledged to resume intelligence sharing and supply military aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, though absent from the Riyadh talks, affirmed Ukraine’s readiness for peace. He noted the urgency for Russia to demonstrate its intention to cease hostilities and thanked President Trump for the initiative towards peace. Zelensky mentioned that the U.S. proposal extends beyond prior British and French suggestions, aiming to halt attacks across the entire frontline.
Oleksiy Goncharenko, a Ukrainian MP, described the ceasefire proposal as a significant achievement, highlighting the resumed military aid and intelligence support as a vital step towards peace. However, he expressed skepticism regarding Putin’s willingness to cooperate, suggesting that if negotiations falter, Trump should adopt a firmer stance against Russia.
Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged the momentous potential for peace and urged collective efforts to secure a lasting resolution, underscoring that the responsibility now lies with Russia to accept the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Trump expressed hope for a positive response from Russia and invited Zelensky back to the White House.
A Ukrainian official expressed doubt about Russia’s commitment to peace talks, estimating a low probability of agreement. Concurrently, French President Emmanuel Macron urged European military leaders to formulate actionable security guarantees for Ukraine, emphasizing the need for a unified effort.
In the aftermath of the ceasefire announcement, Ukraine conducted its most extensive drone strike against Russia, with the latter claiming to have intercepted numerous drones while still suffering civilian casualties. As diplomatic discussions continue, uncertainty persists regarding Putin’s response to the ceasefire and his long-term objectives in the region.
The Kremlin has so far shown little inclination to accept the U.S. proposal, with some officials speculating that they could reject a ceasefire, fearing it would serve merely as a temporary reprieve before hostilities resume. Russia’s foreign minister publicly dismissed the idea of European-led peacekeeping forces, further complicating the diplomatic landscape. Meanwhile, U.S. plans to exert additional pressure through sanctions should negotiations fail have been articulated by various officials.
In conclusion, President Trump’s call for a 30-day ceasefire, if accepted, could represent a pivotal moment in the quest for peace in Ukraine, contingent upon Russia’s affirmative response. Ukraine’s readiness for dialogue, coupled with renewed military support from the U.S., underscores the complexity of the situation. However, skepticism regarding Putin’s intent and potential refusal to cooperate raises concerns about the longevity and sincerity of the peace initiative.
Original Source: www.telegraph.co.uk
