Posted on 03/13/2025 9:18:43 AM PDT by SeekAndFind
The Russian government has reportedly rejected President Donald Trump’s proposal for a 30-day ceasefire agreement as the war in Ukraine continues.
The president recently got Ukraine on board with the idea earlier this week, which placed the ball in the Kremlin’s court. Now, it appears all parties might have to go back to the drawing board.
From NPR:
As U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff enters talks with Russian officials in Moscow on a Trump administration proposal Ukraine has already accepted for a 30-day ceasefire, President Vladimir Putin's foreign policy adviser, Yuri Ushakov, rejected the idea.
Speaking on Russian state television, Ushakov dismissed a 30-day ceasefire as a mere "breather" for Ukrainian troops, emphasizing Moscow's preference for substantive peace talks.
Ushakov reiterated Russia's demands: Ukraine must recognize Russia's annexation of Crimea and four southeastern regions, withdraw troops from lands claimed by Russia and pledge never to join NATO. He said he "hopes [the United States] knows our position and wants to believe that they will take it into account as we work together going forward."
Moscow also seeks limits on Ukraine's military, protections for Russian speakers and elections to replace Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Meanwhile, Russian forces have reclaimed most of the territory lost in last summer's Ukrainian offensive in Russia's Kursk region.
This comes as President Trump agreed to restart military aid to Ukraine while lifting the freeze on intelligence sharing with the nation. U.S. officials met with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia earlier this week to work out the ceasefire agreement.
Andriy Yermak -- the head of Zelenskyy's office -- was part of the Ukrainian delegation that met with American representatives in Jeddah, where both teams agreed to pursue a 30-day ceasefire and use the pause in fighting as a launchpad for full peace negotiations to end Russia's three-year-old invasion of its neighbor.
"Ukraine is ready to accept a 30-day ceasefire if Russia agrees," Yermak wrote on Telegram on Wednesday morning. "This is a necessary step to begin work on real security guarantees and preparing the final terms of a peace agreement."
"But now the key is in Moscow's hands -- the whole world will see who really wants to end the war and who is simply playing for time," he added.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday accused Russia of “seeking to prolong the war” after its government had not yet indicated whether it would accept the agreement. He called on the U.S. to “compel” Moscow to put a stop to hostilities.
Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made. This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible. We hope that U.S. pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war.
The Ukrainian delegation provided me with a detailed report on its meeting with US representatives in Saudi Arabia, including the progress of negotiations and key aspects.
It is good that the conversation was entirely constructive. Ukraine is committed to moving quickly toward peace, and we are prepared to do our part in creating all of the conditions for a reliable, durable, and decent peace. I thank our teams for the fact that military aid and intelligence sharing resumed.Our representatives informed the U.S. side about Ukraine’s principled positions. Ukraine was ready for an air and sea ceasefire, but the US proposed extending it to land. Ukraine welcomes this proposal. The control of such a ceasefire remains an important issue, and we appreciate the United States' willingness to organize the technical aspects of such control.
We discussed the need to guarantee security, as well as our cooperation with European partners and further joint steps.
Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made. This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible. We hope that U.S. pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war.
Our team is prepared to continue working constructively with all partners in America, Europe, and other parts of the world who are committed to bringing peace closer. We are grateful to Saudi Arabia and personally to the Crown Prince for providing a platform for our delegations to work.
pic.twitter.com/5chfbyUvjB— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) March 13, 2025
Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin are expected to have a phone call sometime in the near future but a solid date has not been set. However, Witkoff is expected to meet with Putin this week to further discuss an end to the war.
I JUST READ a BBC that they ACCEPTED it!! WHO IS RIGHT?
"Z" has a plan...let Russia hold the lands they occupy and a cease fire. Then get to be a NATO member...start a skirmish with Russia...and all the Nations will be forced to go after Russia and he can easily get the land all back.
There are two versions but they are relatively the same.
“Z” is ORDERING Trump to make Russia accept the cease fire. lol
Russian will get very very Drunk
Diplomacy.
RE: I JUST READ a BBC that they ACCEPTED it!! WHO IS RIGHT?
Is the BBC report earlier or later than this article?
Here’s a report one hour ago as I write this:
Russia has reservations about Ukraine ceasefire deal as US arrives for talks. U.S. officials arrived in Moscow discuss the proposed 30-day pause in fighting between Ukraine and Russia, but Russia is wary of the deal.
I read yesterday that Putin says NATO membership is a non-starter.
Irrelevant.
This article states that if a NATO country is the victim of an armed attack, each Alliance member will consider this act of violence as an armed attack against all members and will take such measures as it deems necessary, "including the use of armed force," to come to the aid of the attacked country.4 days ago
I agree absolutely....but “Z” thinks he’ll get it.
That is what happens to losers in a civil war, they march to the winner's tune.
Yeah you right (as they say in ‘Nawlins), nothing to do but wait. They haven’t even started negotiating yet and the action in the battle zone continues.
If China invaded California I guarantee you that we would use nuclear weapons and if it took turning California into a cinder to win then that would happen.
Some people sound desperate but wishes and hopes are meaningless.
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