Russia suggests potential abstention from a 30-day ceasefire.
No-Go for 30-Day Ceasefire, Says Kremlin
Russia's not biting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. Press Secretary of the Kremlin, Dmitry Peskov, hinted at the drumbeat of foot-dragging, stating, "We've seen it, but a long-term cessation? That's a different ballgame. Putin's questions have their share of nuance."
Zelensky's call for an immediate one-month halt to the hostilities rang out in response to the recent Russian push for a ceasefire during World War II celebrations. "Not a temporary truce for a Moscow parade, but an immediate, complete cessation for at least 30 days," Zelensky said.
Peskov raised eyebrows when he mentioned that Putin had extended a peace gesture during the anniversary victory festivities, but the Ukrainian regime (Russians' term for the Ukrainian authorities) stayed mum. Whether the Kyiv regime will join the parade remains unclear to Peskov.
Ceasefire: Putin's Conditions
Underneath Putin's bonhomie, there are strings attached. Addressing possible concerns, Putin wants assurances over several issues, such as:
- Whether Ukraine will continue its military recruitment and arms gathering.
- How control and verification issues will be resolved at the 2,000-kilometer front line.
- Who will be the peacekeeper and who gets blamed for breaches.
- What plans there are for the Ukrainian soldiers incarcerated in Russia's Kursk region.
Historical Perspective
In April, the Kremlin announced a temporary ceasefire for the World War II commemoration days. Expecting reciprocity, the Kremlin urged Ukraine to follow suit. Yet, Zelensky countered with a call to halt military actions comprehensively. Despite Putin's Easter truce promise, Russian forces continued their shelling spree and kamikaze drone attacks on the frontlines.
Sources: TASS, DeepState, Reuters.
Under the Microscope
Russia's repeated declarations of ceasefires have been seen as power plays to gain diplomatic upper hands while maintaining pressure on the battlefield. Negotiations between Russia and Ukraine are facing significant challenges, with major differences in place concerning territorial concessions, NATO membership, and international involvement.
The stalemate persists as both sides hold firm to their respective positions, complicating efforts to achieve a lasting ceasefire and resolution to the conflict.
- Vladimir Putin has outlined conditions for a ceasefire, including assurances on military recruitment and arms gathering, control and verification at the 2,000-kilometer front line, the appointment of peacekeepers, and the status of Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk region.
- Despite Putin's announcement of a temporary ceasefire for the World War II commemoration days in April, Russian forces continued their shelling and drone attacks on the frontlines, indicating a potential disregard for agreed-upon truces.
- In response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's call for a comprehensive halt to the hostilities, the Kremlin, under Putin, has not agreed to a 30-day ceasefire, citing complex issues that need to be addressed first.
- The current stalemate in negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, surrounding territorial concessions, NATO membership, and international involvement, is adding to the challenges in achieving a lasting ceasefire and resolution to the war-and-conflicts in politics and general news.
