“Will Russia Agree to the Washington’s 30-Day Ceasefire Agreement or Will Conflict Intensify?”
In response to Ukraine’s significant drone attack on Russia’s Kursk region on August 6, 2024, President Vladimir Putin ordered a substantial military counteroffensive. This Ukrainian incursion marked the largest foreign attack on Russian soil since World War II, with Ukrainian forces initially seizing up to 1,376 square kilometres.
Russia’s retaliation involved deploying reserve troops and conducting intense missile and air strikes, aiming to reclaim the occupied territories. By early 2025, Russian forces had recaptured a significant portion of the area, reducing Ukrainian control to approximately 500 square kilometres.
30 days ceasefire agreement
Amid these developments, the United States and Ukraine agreed to a 30-day ceasefire on the March 11th, proposing a halt to missile, drone, and bomb attacks along the entire front line, including the Black Sea region. This agreement also encompassed a deal on rare earth minerals, signalling a long-term partnership. President Trump expressed hopes that Russia would join the ceasefire to facilitate enduring peace negotiations. This agreement led to the resumption of American intelligence sharing and military aid to Kyiv, which had been previously paused.
The ceasefire proposal, negotiated during high-level talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, includes provisions for the potential release of prisoners of war and efforts to recover Ukrainian children relocated to Russia. Additionally, discussions encompassed economic collaboration between the U.S. and Ukraine, particularly concerning Ukraine’s mineral wealth, signalling a long-term partnership.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that the onus is now on Russia to accept the ceasefire, stating that the U.S. will advise Russia that its acceptance is crucial for peace. However, Russian officials have indicated reluctance to accept the proposal.
Escalation in Kursk: Russia’s Response to Ukrainian Drone Attacks
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing military engagements and diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict. The international community continues to monitor these developments closely, emphasizing the importance of a sustainable and peaceful resolution.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined specific conditions for agreeing to a ceasefire in Ukraine. His primary demands include:
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Territorial Concessions: Russia insists on retaining control over all occupied Ukrainian territories, specifically the Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhian regions.
Neutrality and Demilitarization: Ukraine must adopt a neutral stance, abandoning any aspirations to join NATO, and agree to demilitarization measurement
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Exclusion of Western Peacekeepers: Russia opposes the deployment of European or NATO peacekeeping forces on Ukrainian soil.
These conditions have been met with scepticism by Western diplomats, who believe that Putin is unlikely to compromise on these demands.