Ukraine has accused Russia of rejecting a US-backed ceasefire proposal as strikes occur shortly after a temporary halt was agreed upon. Discussions between US President Trump and Russian leader Putin did not secure a comprehensive ceasefire, with Putin insisting on a cessation of Western military aid. Consequently, skepticism regarding Russia’s willingness to negotiate persists, and Western allies reaffirm support for Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Ukraine accused Russia of effectively dismissing a US-backed ceasefire proposal following a series of strikes, which occurred only hours after Moscow had agreed to a temporary halt in attacks on energy infrastructure. Washington has been advocating for an immediate 30-day ceasefire as a preliminary measure to resolve the ongoing conflict that has persisted for three years.
During a 90-minute conversation with US President Donald Trump, Russian leader Vladimir Putin stated that a comprehensive agreement would depend on the West ceasing all military support and intelligence operations directed towards Ukraine. Although the call did not yield the desired breakthrough ceasefire, it resulted in a commitment to cease strikes on energy facilities for 30 days.
The Kremlin announced that Putin had instructed his military to pause attacks on Ukraine’s power grid for the designated 30-day period. Additionally, both nations are set to exchange 175 prisoners on Wednesday as a gesture of goodwill, with further discussions planned to take place in the Middle East. Nonetheless, the Russian government emphasized that a more extensive truce was contingent upon their longstanding demands for a complete halt to Western military aid.
Following the call between Putin and Trump, reports emerged of explosions and air raid sirens in Ukraine, with Zelensky denouncing the strikes on civilian infrastructure, including a hospital in Sumy. He remarked, “Today, Putin effectively rejected the proposal for a full ceasefire.”
After the barrage of missiles and drone attacks that resulted in one casualty and damaged two hospitals, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius remarked that Putin appeared to be “playing a game.” Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas asserted that it was evident Russia was unwilling to make concessions and declared that Kremlin demands for an end to military support for Ukraine would be unacceptable.
Zelensky further accused Russia of being unprepared to end the conflict, a sentiment echoed by many weary Ukrainians. One citizen expressed, “I do not believe Putin at all, not a single word. He only understands force.” In February, Trump initiated direct discussions with Russia to negotiate peace, alarming allies about potential capitulation to Moscow.
Trump described the call with Putin as “good and productive,” though the interpretation of the ceasefire terms varied between the Kremlin and Trump’s portrayal. Following the discussions, US envoy Steve Witkoff indicated that negotiations would resume in Jeddah on Sunday, tackling various issues, including maritime ceasefires and a complete truce.
Acknowledging the challenges of securing a full ceasefire, Trump admitted that Russia holds the advantage. Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Moscow occupies roughly one-fifth of Ukraine. Washington has indicated that territorial concessions may be necessary in any forthcoming agreement.
Amidst concerns over Trump’s shift in US policy towards Ukraine, Western allies, including the UK and France, have been forming a coalition to uphold any ceasefire efforts. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have pledged ongoing military support for Ukraine, emphasizing, “Ukraine can count on us.”
Despite these assurances, soldiers stationed on the front lines remain skeptical about the possibility of peace. One soldier poignantly stated, “How can you trust people who attack you and kill civilians, including children?”
In summary, Ukraine has accused Russia of rejecting a proposed ceasefire as Moscow continues to strike civilian infrastructure. Although discussions between the US and Russia occurred, the anticipated ceasefire has not materialized. Putin’s demands for an end to Western military aid to Ukraine complicate the situation further, while officials express skepticism about Russia’s willingness to negotiate in good faith. Continued military support from Western allies ensures that Ukraine remains backed amidst ongoing hostilities.
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