‘A ceasefire only benefits those who are retreating’: Russia’s top foreign relations experts and actors react to US-Ukraine talks

Politicians, journalists, and analysts react to the news of a proposed 30-day ceasefire

Following the high-level talks between US and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia, two major developments have dominated the media landscape. First, Russia has been proposed to agree to a 30-day ceasefire. Second, Washington is resuming military aid and intelligence support for Kiev. How Russian politicians, experts, and journalists are responding to this latest turn in negotiations – our report has the details.

Fyodor Lukyanov, the editor-in-chief of Russia in Global Affairs:

The final statement of the [Ukrainian and American] delegations shows that the meeting in Saudi Arabia has gone according to the US plan. The White House aimed to pressure Ukraine into acknowledging the need to align with its demands for a swift cessation of hostilities (a full ceasefire rather than the partial one mentioned by Kiev). In return, Washington promised to resume military assistance to Ukraine, which was previously suspended: agree to a ceasefire, the US said, and you’ll get back what you had before.

There’s some ambiguity regarding the agreement on resources, which may need to be revised and approved. And there’s still no clarity on security guarantees for Ukraine. It seems both issues are still being considered, as negotiations continue. The suggestion that Europe should be involved in the peace process indicates that Ukraine won’t be left all alone.

Overall, Ukraine has swallowed its shame (and Zelensky’s humiliation) and capitulated by expressing “the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the US Congress, and the people of the United States for facilitating meaningful progress toward peace.” It didn’t express gratitude for US support, but rather for facilitating progress towards peace. As Rubio noted, the ball is now in Russia’s court, which aligns with US intentions. Ukraine has complied, and now, Russia is expected to enter the game.

US National Security Advisor Michael Waltz has hinted that there are certain undisclosed agreements, but for now, we can only speculate about them. If we focus on the published text, the proposal in its current form contradicts Moscow’s repeatedly stated position that no ceasefire will occur until the parameters of a comprehensive agreement ensuring lasting peace are established. In other words, the fighting will continue until a viable resolution is devised.

However, since the US publicly shifted its stance from being a side in the conflict to an assertive mediator (something Trump announced during his memorable meeting with Zelensky), it has become apparent that the dynamics have changed. The Roman numerals seem to have switched places: the XXI century looks more like the XIX century as personal diplomacy between monarchs takes center stage, overshadowing ideological commitments and even military achievements. The outcome will depend on their personal agreements or the lack thereof – in any case, we will soon see the result. As for the royal persons holding these discussions, it is clear whom we are talking about.

https://www.rt.com/russia/614082-russia-ukraine-ceasefire-experts/