Prospects for Ceasefire in Ukraine Conflict: Insights from US Envoy
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia may be approaching a potential ceasefire, according to Keith Kellogg, the US envoy to Ukraine under President Donald Trump. During an interview with Fox Business, Kellogg emphasized the necessity for both parties to engage in concessions to reach an agreement.
Kellogg remarked that Trump has expressed frustration with both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Despite these frustrations, he conveyed optimism regarding the potential for negotiations that could lead to an end to hostilities. "I genuinely believe we are on the verge of achieving a ceasefire," he stated. He added that neither side is likely to secure all of their demands.
The envoy proposed a comprehensive ceasefire lasting 30 days as a crucial initial step. He noted that establishing such a ceasefire would complicate any attempts to reinstate the conflict thereafter. Kellogg suggested that creating 'term sheets' outlining the demands of both Russia and Ukraine would be essential in moving forward with the negotiations.
In related developments, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian forces have been consistently breaching a moratorium on attacks against energy infrastructure, which was established with the involvement of the US. The Ministry indicated that Ukrainian military operations have included drone strikes and missile assaults targeting fuel storage facilities, gas infrastructure, and components of Russia's energy grid.
During a recent telephone conversation with Trump, Putin articulated that for a comprehensive ceasefire to be successful, Ukraine must cease its military mobilization efforts. He also called for Western nations to halt military assistance to Ukraine. Moscow has reiterated that any future resolution must address the underlying issues of the conflict, particularly the eastward expansion of NATO. Russia has insisted that Ukraine formally renounce its intentions to join the NATO alliance and abandon claims to Crimea and several other regions that were annexed by Russia in 2022.
