Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ukraine’s partners to remain vigilant and ensure that Russia does not use ceasefire negotiations as a means of deception. His comments follow breakthrough talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia, where Kyiv agreed in principle to a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia.
However, in his nightly address on Wednesday, a day after the Jeddah summit, Zelenskyy expressed caution.
“We must move toward peace,” he stated, “but the key factor is our partners’ ability to ensure Russia’s readiness not to deceive but to genuinely end the war. Because right now, Russian strikes have not stopped.”
With Ukraine’s agreement now on the table, the focus has shifted to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s response. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Washington had received “some positive messages” and confirmed that American representatives were en route to Moscow for discussions.
“Hopefully, we can get a ceasefire,” Trump said. “It is up to Russia now.” However, he also issued a warning to the Kremlin, stating that if Russia rejected the ceasefire, the U.S. could take drastic financial measures that would be “devastating for Russia.”
Meanwhile, European defense ministers convened in Paris to stress the urgency of a diplomatic resolution. UK Defense Secretary John Healey directly addressed Putin, saying:
“Over to you. You want to talk? Prove it.”
Healey emphasized that “the pressure is now on Putin” to accept the ceasefire and bring an end to the war.
Read Also:
- Trump sends delegation to Russia to discuss ceasefire with Putin
- Ukraine agrees to 30-Day ceasefire as Washington resumes military aid
- US, Ukraine begin peace talks in Saudi Arabia to end war with Russia
Putin’s Military Moves and Domestic Positioning
While international pressure mounts, Putin has been focused on securing domestic support. During a visit to Kursk, where Russian forces have recently gained the upper hand, Putin called for the “complete liberation” of the region from Ukrainian control. Dressed in camouflage, he addressed troops and reiterated his determination to defeat Ukrainian forces.
Reports suggest that Russian troops have captured approximately 430 Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk, following intense battlefield pressure. Putin announced that these troops would be “treated as terrorists, in accordance with the laws of the Russian Federation.” His remarks have sparked outrage, as international organizations warn against mistreatment of prisoners of war.
Putin’s actions are seen as part of a larger strategy to strengthen his leverage in ceasefire negotiations. A Kremlin-linked think tank has advised the Russian president to weaken the U.S.’s position by deepening tensions between Washington, China, and the European Union. A document reportedly prepared for Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) outlines strategies for “the complete dismantling” of Ukraine’s government while driving a wedge between the U.S. and its global allies.
Adding to the complexity, the U.S. has resumed military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine, a move that has angered Moscow. Furthermore, the G7 and other Western allies are reportedly considering deploying troops into Ukraine to monitor the ceasefire. Russian officials have warned that such a move could be seen as crossing a “red line” and may escalate hostilities further.
With Putin holding the upper hand on the battlefield, analysts predict that he will demand significant concessions before agreeing to any ceasefire.
While negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see whether Russia will genuinely seek peace—or use the talks as a tactical maneuver to strengthen its strategic position.
