US Urges Russia to Accept 30-Day Ukraine Ceasefire Amid Peace Negotiations
The US is urging Russia to accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine to mitigate hostilities, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasizing no military resolution is viable. Ongoing talks involve complex issues such as territorial concessions and the return of unlawfully deported Ukrainian children. The response from Russia remains non-committal, highlighting potential hurdles in peace negotiations.
The US has intensified pressure on Russia to accept a proposed 30-day ceasefire to halt hostilities with Ukraine. Marco Rubio, the US Secretary of State, emphasized there is no military solution to the ongoing conflict, urging Russian President Vladimir Putin to agree to the truce for humanitarian reasons. He remarked, “If [Russia] says no, it will tell us a lot about what their goals are and what their mindset is.”
During a news conference in Ireland, Rubio indicated that the discussions with Ukrainian officials included considerations for territorial concessions to Russia, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has firmly opposed, deeming it a “red line” for Ukraine’s sovereignty. Rubio acknowledged the importance of a peace deal that would discourage further Russian aggression, stating, “Every country in the world has a right to defend themselves.”
Rubio also highlighted the need for negotiations to encompass the return of prisoners of war and Ukrainian children unlawfully taken to Russia. He underscored the importance of retrieving the deported children, stating, “They need to get the children back.” In contrast, Zelenskyy labeled these discussions as “constructive,” expressing the desire to utilize the potential ceasefire as a stepping stone to draft a lasting peace agreement.
However, the Kremlin’s response has been ambiguous, indicating a need for further clarification from the US before committing to the ceasefire. Significant hurdles remain regarding the potential for territorial concessions and the presence of European troops in Ukraine, which Russia perceives as a potential “act of war.”
Zelenskyy firmly asserted that Ukraine would not recognize any Russian-occupied territories, emphasizing the sacrifices made by Ukrainian defenders. He stated, “This is the most important red line. We will never let anyone forget about this crime against Ukraine.” Zelenskyy called for collective action to compel Russia to comply with a peace settlement, reinforcing that Ukraine’s allies are prepared to impose sanctions and provide military support should Moscow refuse to agree.
The renewed willingness of Kyiv to accept a temporary truce has enabled the US to resume military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, which had been put on hold following previous tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy. Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer expressed approval of the progress between Washington and Kyiv, committing to advance efforts for a sustainable peace and announcing an upcoming summit of international leaders.
The US is actively pressing Russia to agree to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, emphasizing humanitarian needs and the absence of military solutions. Marco Rubio’s statements underscore the importance of territorial integrity and the return of Ukrainian children. While negotiations are ongoing, challenges remain regarding territorial concessions and international military involvement. The situation emphasizes the necessity of strong international cooperation to achieve lasting peace in Ukraine.
Original Source: news.sky.com
