Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker peace, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russian President Vladimir Putin of deliberately stalling a proposed 30-day ceasefire, extending the war by another week. Zelenskyy’s remarks come as the United States and Ukraine push for a temporary halt in fighting to serve as a foundation for broader peace negotiations.
Ceasefire Talks Face Resistance
Following high-level discussions in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, last week, the U.S. and Ukraine presented a ceasefire proposal, hoping to establish a path toward ending Moscow’s three-year-long invasion. Putin initially expressed support for the idea but attached additional conditions that Kyiv and Washington believe are designed to delay progress.
“After the talks in Jeddah and the American proposal for a ceasefire on the frontline, Russia stole almost another week—a week of war that only Russia wants,” Zelenskyy wrote on social media Sunday.
Andriy Yermak, the head of Zelenskyy’s office, reinforced Ukraine’s stance, stating on Telegram that “Russia continues to attack, Ukraine is responding to the attacks and will respond until Putin stops the war.”
Trump Enters the Conversation
As diplomatic efforts intensify, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced he would be speaking with Putin on Tuesday. Trump has suggested that his administration is making strides toward ending the war, though specific details remain unclear.
“A lot of work” on a potential agreement took place over the weekend, Trump said. “We’ll see if we have something to announce. Maybe by Tuesday.” He emphasized his administration’s desire to “bring that war to an end.”
Ongoing Clashes and Strategic Maneuvers
Despite diplomatic maneuvering, the battlefield remains active. Russian forces claim to have gained ground in the western Russian region of Kursk, a strategically significant area where Ukrainian troops had made gains during a surprise offensive in August 2024. Putin visited the region last week, warning Ukrainian troops that their choices were to “surrender or die.”
Meanwhile, both sides continue to launch long-range strikes. Ukraine’s air force reported shooting down 90 of 174 Russian drones launched overnight, with another 70 reportedly crashing before reaching their targets. Russia’s Defense Ministry, in turn, stated that its forces intercepted 72 Ukrainian drones since Sunday evening. In southern Russia’s Astrakhan region, a suspected Ukrainian drone attack caused a fire at an energy facility, injuring one person.
Uncertain Future for Peace Talks
As the conflict grinds on, Ukraine seeks to demonstrate its commitment to peace while pushing back against narratives suggesting it is obstructing negotiations. With Trump’s upcoming call with Putin and continued battlefield developments, the coming days could prove critical in determining whether a ceasefire materializes or the war continues unabated.
Keep up with the Russia-Ukraine war with us on Que Onda Magazine.