Russian officials, including spokesperson Dmitry Peskov, indicate that a ceasefire in Ukraine will take time, despite ongoing discussions. Meanwhile, US President Trump seeks a swift resolution but remains frustrated with Putin’s actions, particularly regarding Ukrainian leadership. Concerns arise over Russia’s sincerity in peace negotiations, with EU and Polish leaders urging a ceasefire deadline. Mutual accusations of ceasefire violations persist, and President Zelensky demands increased international pressure on Russia to facilitate negotiations.
Russia’s Perspective on Ceasefire Negotiations
The prospect of a swift resolution to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine seems increasingly unlikely, according to Russian officials. Government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has stated that Moscow anticipates a ‘long process’ ahead before any ceasefire can be achieved. In a recent briefing with journalists, Peskov highlighted that discussions aimed at finding a solution for Ukraine are still in progress, but no concrete announcements can be made at this time.
US-Russia Relations Amidst Tensions
On the other hand, US President Donald Trump has expressed a desire for a rapid peace settlement, indicating his frustration with the current situation. Although Peskov confirmed that President Vladimir Putin remains receptive to communication with Trump, he did not engage with Trump’s direct criticisms of the Russian leader. Reports suggest that Trump is ‘angry’ and ‘furious’ with Putin, particularly in light of remarks suggesting that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is no longer a legitimate leader due to the expiration of his term.
However, the Ukrainian constitution prohibits elections under martial law, which remains in effect due to the ongoing conflict. In response, Putin’s proposal to place Ukraine under UN oversight for new elections has raised skepticism among international leaders. EU foreign affairs chief Kaja Kallas has voiced concerns over Russia’s genuine interest in peace, suggesting that Moscow is merely ‘playing games.’ Meanwhile, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski has proposed setting a deadline for Russia to agree to a ceasefire.
Discussions about the ceasefire have also revealed rising impatience from Trump, as shared by Finnish President Alexander Stubb, who met with the US leader recently. Stubb noted that while ‘angry’ might not fully capture Trump’s sentiment, there is certainly a growing impatience regarding Russia’s actions. Both leaders discussed the ceasefire and expressed frustration over Russia’s non-compliance.
The fragile nature of the partial ceasefire concerning energy facilities has led to mutual accusations of violations between Russia and Ukraine. Despite recent US proposals for a complete 30-day ceasefire, the Kremlin has not agreed to an unconditional halt to hostilities. President Zelensky has criticized Moscow’s continued aggression, asserting that such actions reveal its lack of commitment to diplomatic solutions. He has called for increased international pressure and new sanctions against Russia to encourage negotiations.