Temporary Truce in Sight? U.S. and Ukraine Push for 30-Day Ceasefire with Russia

The U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal will open the door to a temporary halt in hostilities, but unresolved issues and Russia's battlefield position raise doubts about Moscow's willingness and the plan's long-term effectiveness in securing a lasting peace. On March 11, Ukraine agreed to a U.S. plan for a 30-day ceasefire to de-escalate the war in Ukraine. According to a joint statement by the two governments, the ceasefire will enter into force if and when Russia accepts it. The deal was reached during a meeting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that included U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and President Volodymyr Zelensky's chief of staff, Andriy Yermak. In a statement on X, Zelensky said the deal would stop attacks both in the Black Sea and along the entire front line. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow in the coming days to discuss the ceasefire. ...