The tensions surrounding the US-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal for the Russia-Ukraine war have intensified, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy launching a scathing critique of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response, labeling it "manipulative" and accusing him of planning to reject the truce under the guise of seeking clarifications. Zelenskyy alleged that Putin is carefully avoiding a direct refusal to US President Donald Trump, fearing the political consequences of being seen as the aggressor in the eyes of the international community, particularly the United States. He insisted that Putin’s insistence on setting conditions was nothing more than a strategic delay tactic, designed to ensure the ceasefire remains stuck in endless negotiations and never comes into effect.
During an impassioned address, Zelenskyy emphasized that a ceasefire, if genuinely honored, would allow crucial time for Ukraine and its allies to formulate a comprehensive and sustainable plan for long-term security, laying the groundwork for an enduring and reliable peace. He underscored that this could create space for rebuilding war-torn regions, addressing humanitarian crises, and restoring key infrastructure devastated by relentless Russian attacks. However, Zelenskyy argued that Putin’s actions indicate he has no genuine interest in peace and is instead using the negotiation process as a smokescreen to regroup and press on with his military ambitions.
Zelenskyy also called for more stringent international sanctions on Moscow, asserting that economic pressure remains one of the most effective ways to force Russia to reconsider its aggressive stance. He pointed out that Putin’s evasive behavior, coupled with his reluctance to accept the ceasefire unconditionally, demonstrates that the Kremlin is more focused on prolonging the conflict than ending it. Zelenskyy painted a picture of a Russian leader too afraid to openly admit his desire to continue the war, choosing instead to hide behind diplomatic posturing.
Putin, meanwhile, maintained a carefully calibrated stance, expressing conditional support for the ceasefire proposal while simultaneously laying out a series of prerequisites that effectively stall the process. He claimed Russia agreed with the idea of halting hostilities "in principle" but emphasized that the deal must address what he described as the "root causes" of the conflict — a vague statement widely interpreted as a demand for concessions from Ukraine and the West. Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, one of his closest allies, Putin reiterated that any cessation of fighting must not be a temporary measure but a step towards a "long-term, sustainable peace." His remarks, later amplified by the Russian Foreign Ministry, hinted that Moscow is unlikely to agree to a ceasefire unless it comes with significant political and territorial gains.
Despite his hedging, Putin extended a diplomatic nod to Trump, thanking him for his efforts in promoting the ceasefire initiative. Trump, in turn, characterized Putin’s comments as "very promising" and expressed optimism that Russia might ultimately make the "right decision." The US President disclosed that American representatives — including real estate mogul Steve Witkoff — were already engaged in "very serious discussions" in Russia to advance the negotiations. Trump went a step further, stating he was willing to personally call Putin to push the talks forward if it meant accelerating a resolution to the conflict.
However, Trump didn’t hesitate to give Moscow a stark warning. He made it clear that if Russia failed to uphold the ceasefire agreement — should it eventually be finalized — the country would face severe financial repercussions. This warning came during Trump’s meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in the Oval Office, where he reaffirmed America’s unwavering support for Ukraine and its determination to hold Russia accountable for any breaches of the proposed truce.
On the battlefield, the reality remains grim. Russian forces have ramped up their offensive in Ukraine’s Kursk region, with Moscow claiming it has successfully pushed Ukrainian troops out of the area’s largest town. This escalation casts doubt on the practicality of a ceasefire, as fighting intensifies even while diplomats attempt to negotiate peace. The ongoing clashes underscore the deep mistrust between both sides — with Kyiv perceiving Moscow’s calls for "conditions" as a delaying tactic, and Russia framing Ukraine’s resistance as an obstacle to peace.
The war, which erupted in February 2022, has left tens of thousands dead, millions displaced, and entire cities in ruins. The latest developments expose the increasingly complex and fragile nature of international diplomacy, with both leaders framing the ceasefire in starkly different terms. For Zelenskyy, the truce represents a lifeline — a chance to reset the battlefield, secure long-term security guarantees, and rebuild his country. For Putin, it appears to be a strategic opportunity to extract concessions while maintaining military pressure on the ground.
Trump’s growing role as a would-be mediator introduces yet another unpredictable layer to the situation. While he frames his involvement as a bid for peace, critics argue that his unorthodox diplomacy — coupled with his praise for Putin’s "promising" remarks — risks legitimizing the Kremlin’s demands and could embolden Russia to prolong the conflict. Whether Trump’s direct engagement will lead to a breakthrough or complicate the process remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the path to peace remains as uncertain as ever.
