Ukraine Signs On to Ceasefire, But Will Russia Hold Fire?
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Shreya Naskar- 0
- 8 minutes read
On March 11, 2025, Ukraine officially agreed to a 30-day ceasefire proposal initiated by the United States. The proposal aims to temporarily halt hostilities in the ongoing conflict but remains contingent upon Russia’s acceptance. While Ukraine has conditionally agreed to the truce, Russia has yet to confirm its commitment, leaving the situation in a state of uncertainty. The ceasefire proposal emerged from high-level negotiations held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Ukrainian and US officials worked to establish a framework for de-escalation. The agreement seeks to provide humanitarian relief, stabilize military conditions, and open the door for potential peace talks.
Key Elements of the Ceasefire Proposal
The US-brokered ceasefire lays out specific terms and conditions aimed at reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian concerns. These include:
- The ceasefire will last for 30 days.
- It can be extended beyond this period, but only if both Ukraine and Russia agree to prolong it.
- The agreement applies to all military operations along the frontline in Ukraine.
- Both offensive military actions and artillery fire are to be suspended.
- Aerial attacks, missile strikes, and drone operations must cease during the truce.
- The agreement includes a prisoner exchange mechanism between Ukraine and Russia.
- A key provision calls for the return of Ukrainian children who were forcibly transferred to Russia during the conflict.
- Humanitarian corridors will be established to facilitate aid delivery to conflict-affected regions, ensuring medical supplies, food, and essential resources reach civilians.
- Ukraine and the US are discussing a mineral-rights agreement to strengthen Ukraine’s economy.
- This economic partnership is expected to enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities in the long term, reducing its dependence on foreign aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the ceasefire but emphasized that its success depends on Russia’s adherence. The Ukrainian government remains cautious, given Russia’s history of breaking previous agreements. Ukrainian officials support the truce conditionally and have warned that any violation would result in an immediate military response. The US lifted restrictions on intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine following Kyiv’s agreement. The Trump administration stated that the ceasefire should serve as a stepping stone toward broader peace negotiations. US officials are actively engaging in diplomatic efforts to bring Russia into the agreement. Russia has not officially rejected the ceasefire, but airstrikes on Kyiv and Kharkiv occurred shortly after the announcement. These attacks caused civilian casualties and infrastructure damage, raising doubts about Moscow’s true intentions. The lack of Russian commitment suggests that Moscow may use the ceasefire as a strategic pause to regroup its military forces. European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron, welcomed the ceasefire but stressed that enforcement mechanisms must be in place. NATO officials remain skeptical of Russia’s commitment and continue to monitor the situation closely. Despite the ceasefire agreement, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and Kharkiv. These strikes have resulted in civilian casualties and widespread infrastructure damage, casting doubt on Russia’s intentions and willingness to abide by the truce.
- Russia has not formally agreed to the ceasefire.
- There are concerns that Moscow may use the pause to strengthen its military position, rather than seek genuine peace.
- US officials are actively working to bring Russia into the agreement through diplomatic channels.
- The success of these negotiations depends on Moscow’s willingness to engage in meaningful dialogue.
- If Russia violates the agreement, Ukraine has indicated that it will resume military operations immediately.
- The ceasefire could become unsustainable if trust is broken between the warring parties.
While Ukraine’s acceptance of the US-brokered ceasefire marks a significant step toward de-escalation, the situation remains tense and unpredictable. The ball is now in Russia’s court, and its next move will determine whether the ceasefire holds or collapses.If Russia refuses to commit or continues its military aggression, Ukraine may resume full-scale combat operations, effectively ending hopes for a diplomatic resolution. Meanwhile, global leaders and organizations will closely monitor Russia’s actions, as any violation of the truce could lead to further instability in Eastern Europe. The coming days will be critical in determining whether this 30-day ceasefire paves the way for long-term peace or becomes another failed attempt at conflict resolution.