Member-only story
Ceasefire in Ukraine?
It’s a ray of hope in a conflict that has already cost too many lives.
In a major development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed in principle to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine following a U.S. proposal to de-escalate the ongoing conflict. However, Putin has stipulated that any cessation of hostilities must accompany a broader resolution addressing Russia’s long-standing security concerns.
The ceasefire agreement comes amid intensifying debates over NATO’s role in Eastern Europe. Putin has expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s long-term viability, arguing that it should not serve as a temporary pause allowing Ukrainian forces to regroup and rearm. “For this to work, there must be assurances that our fundamental concerns are addressed, not just a halt in fighting,” he stated.
A Ceasefire with Conditions
While U.S. officials have welcomed Putin’s response, they remain cautious. President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking concrete commitments from Moscow to ensure that the ceasefire leads to meaningful peace negotiations rather than a brief intermission in the war.
“We view this as a step forward, but we must ensure that all parties honor their commitments,” a White House official stated. The U.S. and its allies are expected to push for international monitors to oversee…