Russia to Respond to US Proposal for 30-Day Ceasefire

In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia has indicated that President Vladimir Putin will address the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire. This announcement comes two days after Ukrainian representatives expressed their willingness to agree to an immediate truce, contingent upon Russia's compliance.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov stated that Putin's comments will follow his discussions with Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Peskov emphasized that the nature of the president's remarks will depend largely on the questions posed by journalists during the press briefing.

During talks with US officials in Saudi Arabia, the Ukrainian delegation confirmed their readiness for a comprehensive ceasefire. In response, the US government temporarily halted its arms shipments to Ukraine, reflecting a possible shift towards negotiation.

While there has yet to be an official response from Russia, Peskov mentioned that the Kremlin requires full knowledge of the proposal's details before making any public statements. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Advisor Mike Waltz assured that all pertinent information concerning the discussions with Ukraine would be shared with Moscow.

Former US President Donald Trump, who is set to speak with Putin soon, announced that a delegation is on its way to Russia, led by Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. Trump hinted at a potential conversation with Putin within the week, which could further influence the situation.

On the ground, Russian military operations are reportedly intensifying, with Putin ordering the expulsion of Ukrainian forces from the Kursk region. Following recent recoveries in the area, Russian troops have been directed to eliminate the remaining Ukrainian presence swiftly. Putin's visit to the frontline was marked by military displays, although he refrained from commenting on the US ceasefire proposal at that time.

Reports from Moscow indicate that Ukrainian drone strikes are being intercepted, with the Russian Ministry of Defense claiming to have downed 77 drones in recent incursions. This highlights the ongoing military engagement between the two nations, as Ukraine continues to defend itself with Western support against the Russian invasion.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has called upon allies to maintain pressure on Russia, stressing the importance of ensuring that Moscow does not engage in deceitful negotiations but instead commits to genuinely ending the conflict.

Despite the military challenges in the Kursk area, Ukrainian Commander Oleksandr Syrsky refuted claims of a complete withdrawal. He stated that Ukrainian forces would maintain their defensive positions as long as necessary, adapting strategies to preserve the lives of soldiers while facing increased pressure from Russian forces.

The Russian General Staff has reported that the last remaining Ukrainian troops in Kursk are encircled, suggesting that Ukrainian efforts to occupy the region were intended as leverage in potential negotiations. Putin has signaled the establishment of a security zone on the border, implying continued military actions could be forthcoming.

Amid these developments, a coalition of key NATO states is convening in Paris to discuss military guarantees for Ukraine, including the possibility of troop deployments to ensure a peace settlement with Russia. While specifics remain under discussion, the focus is on strengthening Ukrainian military capabilities rather than merely maintaining a ceasefire line.

France's Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu emphasized the need to enhance the Ukrainian military as the primary guarantee of security. Observers speculate that Putin may condition any ceasefire on the absence of European troops in Ukraine.

The situation in Ukraine is also set to be a focal point during the upcoming G7 meeting of foreign ministers in Canada, marking the first such gathering since Trump's presidency. The potential for progress towards a unified stance on the ceasefire proposal may arise, alongside discussions on the Middle East conflict and the trade tensions initiated by Trump.