Ukraine and Russia Discuss Ceasefire as U.S. and Russia Reopen Diplomatic Channels

Ukraine signals readiness for a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia imposes conditions while U.S. officials urge cautious optimism.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov held a phone call to discuss next steps in ceasefire negotiations facilitated by Saudi Arabia.
Ukraine has agreed in principle to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire if Russia halts its attacks in eastern Ukraine, though Russia has yet to commit and has set additional conditions.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, seen in combat attire on the Koursk front, has expressed reservations about the ceasefire, viewing it as potentially advantageous for Ukrainian regrouping.
Ukraine has established a monitoring team to oversee any potential ceasefire, citing past violations by Russian forces and the complexity of managing a 1,300-kilometer front line.
The U.S. has signaled cautious optimism about peace talks, emphasizing the difficulty of achieving lasting peace without reducing current hostilities.