US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is leading talks with Russia to discuss a potential ceasefire between the two nations. The proposal, which was agreed upon by Ukraine earlier this week, calls for a 30-day truce that would allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and stabilize their positions.
Russian officials have rejected the proposal, claiming it would be nothing more than a temporary respite for Ukrainian forces and give them time to recover before continuing the fight. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov described the talks as “taking place in a calm manner,” but added that Russia’s aim is for a long-lasting peaceful settlement that takes into account its country’s legitimate interests.
US President Donald Trump has expressed support for the proposal, saying it would make sense for Russia to agree to a ceasefire. He believes the ceasefire would give Russia a chance to recoup some of the losses it suffered in the conflict and added that he could use his influence to pressure Russia financially.
However, fighting continues in Ukraine, with Russian drones and missiles striking targets in several cities, including Kryvyy Rih, Odesa, Dnipro, and Kharkiv. Ukrainian officials have also reported clashes in the Kursk region, where Russian troops claim to be “successfully advancing” and recapturing areas held by Ukrainian forces.
The conflict began last year when Ukraine launched a surprise attack on the western part of Russia that borders Ukraine. Since then, Russia has retaken most of the territory that was initially captured by Ukraine. The head of Ukraine’s military, Oleksandr Syrsky, indicated that some troops were withdrawing from Kursk, but his priority remains saving the lives of Ukrainian soldiers.
The US and Ukraine have been working to reach a ceasefire agreement since February 28, when an earlier meeting between US President Donald Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and Vice-President JD Vance descended into a shouting match.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cpv4729jvm9o