Trump Urges Lengthier Ceasefire in Ukraine-Russia War, Threatens More Sanctions if Necessary
Trump advocates for a halt in hostilities and implies potential economic penalties if the conflict continues.
In a bold move, US President Donald Trump has assertively requested a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire in Russia's ongoing conflict with Ukraine. Trump made this suggestion via his Truth Social platform, highlighting the shared responsibility for its maintenance. If the ceasefire isn't upheld, severe sanctions from the US and its allies are on the cards. The proposal comes after conversations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Selenskyj and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.
In his post, Trump presents a measured approach. He stresses that negotiations with Russia and Ukraine will continue. "As President," he states, "I will persistently work with Europeans to attain enduring peace between Russia and Ukraine." The proposed ceasefire aims to pave the way for a peace agreement, which could be achieved swiftly. Trump stands ready to intervene anytime if required.
The recent announcement of a short truce by Russia for World War II commemorations indicates a need for sustained and substantial negotiations to secure a longer-lasting peace. Selenskyj, via his social media channels, confirmed his readiness for a 30-day ceasefire and discussions in any format, but insists on Moscow demonstrating its sincerity to end the war beforehand.
The conversation between leaders also revolved around the Ukraine-US resource agreement, which the Ukrainian parliament ratified last week. This agreement, resulting from extensive negotiations and modifications requested by Ukraine, focuses on the shared exploitation of oil, gas, and minerals within its borders.
During a scheduled signing of the agreement in February, diplomatic turmoil erupted when Trump and Vice President JD Vance publicly accused Selenskyj of disrespect and ingratitude regarding US military aid, on camera. Regardless, Kiev views the signed agreement as an achievement in diplomatic terms, despite Washington's initial rejection of a security guarantee against future Russian attacks in exchange for preferential access to Ukrainian resources.
Sources: ntv.de, jwu/AFP
Tags:
- Ukraine Conflict
- Wars and Conflicts
- Volodymyr Selenskyj
- Donald Trump
- Attack on Ukraine
- Russia-Ukraine War
Additional Insights:Despite ongoing efforts to reach a truce, the ceasefire negotiation process remains largely at a standstill, largely due to Russia's unwillingness to accept comprehensive ceasefire proposals. US officials have underscored Russia's lack of openness to any ceasefire deal, while emphasizing Ukraine's commitment to a detailed US-proposed 30-day ceasefire plan. This plan demands immediate cessation of hostilities across all fronts for a minimum of 30 days, with renewable terms.
Ukraine has voiced its eagerness to put this ceasefire into action immediately, presenting a "ceasefire in place" proposition, which entails a mutual withdrawal of Ukraine and Russia by 15 kilometers from the current frontline, thereby creating a 30-kilometer demilitarized zone. This area would potentially be monitored by an unspecified third-party mechanism. Collaborative efforts led by the UK and France have expressed readiness to deploy a "ceasefire force" west of the Dnipro River to supervise and enforce the ceasefire.
However, Russia, through Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, refuses to acknowledge receiving any formal Ukrainian proposals regarding the demilitarized zone, hinting at minimal progress from their side. US Vice President J.D. Vance acknowledges Russia's demands for significant concessions as conditions to end the conflict, yet considers these demands excessive.
General Keith Kellogg, US Special Envoy to Ukraine, underlines Russia's resistance to agreeing to the ceasefire as a key hindrance to peace, and notes Russia's declining military position, including the failure to secure strategic areas and high attrition rates, which could become a challenge under sustained stalemate circumstances.
In conclusion, while Ukraine and its Western allies push forward with a detailed ceasefire framework, Russia remains resistant, raising doubts about a swift resolution to the conflict.
- Despite Trump's call for a 30-day, unconditional ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the prospect of a peace agreement depends on Russia's willingness to demonstrate sincerity and uphold the ceasefire.
- In his post on Truth Social, Trump suggested that he would work with European leaders to enforce sanctions on Russia if the ceasefire isn't maintained, an indication of political maneuvering in war-and-conflicts.
- Ukraine's President Volodymyr Selenskyj, in response to Trump's proposal, confirmed his readiness for a 30-day ceasefire and negotiations, but insists on a comprehensive and comprehensive policy on the environment (as with the EU) from Russia to end the war.
- The proposed ceasefire, if successful, could pave the way for the implementation of the Ukraine-US resource agreement, which focuses on the shared exploitation of oil, gas, and minerals within Ukraine's borders, but the diplomatic relationship between Trump and Selenskyj still appears strained due to past disputes.
