Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire: Moscow Sets Conditions Amid International Interests

Washington and Kyiv advocate for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, but Moscow is setting conditions. Russia's President Vladimir Putin has stated that any ceasefire proposal must lead to a long-term resolution and address the root causes of the conflict. Putin's advisor, Yuri Ushakov, previously called the ceasefire proposal premature, insisting that any peace settlement must consider Russia's legitimate interests and not serve as a respite for Ukraine. Experts believe Moscow aims to diminish NATO's influence in Eastern Europe and increase its own influence in Ukraine, potentially seeking new elections in the country. Russia also seeks the removal of foreign troops securing any peace agreement and opposes Ukraine's NATO membership. Moscow is interested in the lifting of sanctions imposed by the West following the invasion of Ukraine, as its initial war-fueled economic boom has stalled, with recession and inflation looming. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, seeks to broker peace, potentially reducing military and humanitarian aid to Ukraine. The EU aims to curb Russia's growing influence, offering Ukraine a path to EU membership. Despite previous reluctance, Ukraine, under President Zelensky, is now open to concessions, viewing the continuation of U.S. military aid and intelligence sharing as a success, with hopes for future security guarantees.