Truce or trap? Ukraine reacts cautiously to ceasefire proposal
13 March 2025 21:44
Ukraine is reacting cautiously to the offer of a 30-day truce, demanding security guarantees, while Russia is putting forward unacceptable conditions that threaten Kyiv’s sovereignty. [ Kommersant analyzed the main statements made by Kyiv and Moscow on March 13.
Ukraine’s reaction to the ceasefire initiative: Kyiv’s official position
on March 13, 2025, Ukrainian officials expressed their position on the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which was the subject of discussion at international negotiations. Although the proposal itself is aimed at temporarily de-escalating hostilities, official Kyiv expresses cautious optimism and skepticism about Russia’s real intentions.
Statement by Volodymyr Zelenskyy: Ukraine wants real peace
In his statement, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv had not received a clear answer from Russia regarding the terms of the ceasefire. According to the president, Ukraine is ready for a quick peace, but any truce should be based on real guarantees and conditions that would make it impossible to freeze the conflict or create preconditions for a new Russian invasion. At the same time, the Kremlin continues to voice conditions in its public comments that Kyiv cannot accept, such as concessions on the issue of territorial integrity and restrictions on military cooperation with the West.
Andriy Yermak: Ukraine will not agree to a “frozen conflict”
The head of the President’s Office, Andriy Yermak, made an even harsher statement, noting that Kyiv will not allow the scenario of the war turning into a frozen conflict. In his opinion, any ceasefire should be accompanied by international guarantees that would provide for the full restoration of Ukraine’s territorial integrity.
Yermak also emphasized that Russia continues active hostilities and uses negotiations as a tool of strategic maneuver to regroup its troops and prepare for further escalation.
NSDC: Ceasefire must lead to lasting peace
The National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine (NSDC) in a statement supported the efforts of international partners to organize a ceasefire, but stressed that a temporary halt to hostilities should not become a way for Russia to gain time and strengthen its position:
- moscow provides clear guarantees of compliance with the ceasefire;
- russia does not use the ceasefire to regroup its forces and prepare for new attacks;
- the international community will actively monitor the implementation of the agreement.
Ukrainian military analysts, in turn, point out that Russia continues to conduct offensive operations in eastern and southern Ukraine, which raises serious doubts about the Kremlin’s real intentions regarding the ceasefire.
What does Russia demand?
The Russian side has confirmed its agreement to the talks, but has put forward a number of conditions that Kyiv categorically rejects:
- ukraine’s legal refusal to liberate the temporarily occupied territories;
- limiting Ukraine’s military cooperation with the West;
- the formation of a demilitarized buffer zone on part of Ukrainian territory.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that Russia is ready for a truce, but on its own terms, which actually means consolidating the status quo and legitimizing the occupation of Ukrainian territories.
What awaits Ukraine in the near future
Although diplomatic efforts are ongoing, Ukraine has made it clear that it will not make concessions that undermine its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In the coming days, international mediators, including the US, EU, and Turkey, are expected to try to find new ways to reach a compromise, but the positions of Kyiv and Moscow remain too far apart.
Currently, Ukraine supports any initiatives that can actually lead to an end to the war, but at the same time, it does not agree to temporary arrangements that give Russia an advantage and jeopardize the country’s future.
Western partners continue to put pressure on Moscow, while Kyiv is preparing for a possible new round of escalation if the talks fail.
