The Kremlin has flatly rejected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s call for a full 30-day ceasefire, calling it "impossible" under current conditions. The response, delivered by Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov, underscores the deep cracks in ongoing international efforts to halt the war.

“Without resolving all the nuances, this is impossible,” Peskov told Russian state media outlet RIA, dampening hopes that a broader truce could open the door to renewed peace talks.

A Ceasefire That Could Change Everything

The ceasefire proposal was seen as a potential lifeline for the fragile peace process, largely brokered by the U.S. However, that process is now on shaky ground. Former U.S. President Donald Trump—who is actively involved in shuttle diplomacy—has warned he may abandon the talks if no tangible progress is seen soon.

Despite both Russia and Ukraine making public statements in support of peace, actions on the battlefield tell a different story. Cross-border strikes continue, and neither side has taken significant public steps toward de-escalation.

Analysts say a 30-day ceasefire could create space for substantive negotiations, but several roadblocks remain—chief among them being contested territories and the question of Ukraine’s long-term security framework.

Putin Declares a Short-Term Truce

In contrast to Zelensky’s month-long proposal, President Vladimir Putin has announced a short, unilateral ceasefire to coincide with Russia’s upcoming Victory Day celebrations. The temporary truce will run from midnight on May 8 to midnight on May 10, commemorating 80 years since the end of World War II.

Whether Ukraine will honor that truce remains unclear. Peskov said Moscow has received no indication from Kyiv and warned that Russian forces would respond if attacked during the declared pause in fighting.

The Kremlin continues to emphasize its desire for direct talks, blaming Kyiv’s alleged "legal ban" on negotiations for the current stalemate. Ukraine, however, insists that dialogue can only begin once both sides agree to a real, mutual ceasefire.

Washington Watching Closely

The White House has acknowledged Putin’s symbolic ceasefire but expressed frustration with the slow pace of diplomacy. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Trump is “growing impatient” with the lack of progress from both Kyiv and Moscow.

“The president wants a permanent ceasefire—something that stops the bloodshed for good,” she said. “He believes a deal is within reach, but both leaders need to come to the table.”

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha responded via social media, writing: “If Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately. Why wait until May 8th? Ukraine is ready for a real, lasting ceasefire—starting today.”

Experts Warn of Deeper Challenges

Policy analysts remain skeptical that any short-term ceasefire will translate into long-term peace. Elena Davlikanova, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis, cautioned: “Even if the guns fall silent, Russia’s strategic ambitions haven’t changed. A fragile truce may simply mask deeper, unresolved tensions.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio added that this week could be decisive. “We have to determine whether this process is worth continuing,” he said on NBC’s Meet the Press.

What Comes Next?

Back-channel diplomacy between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia continues behind closed doors, with Trump pushing hard for a breakthrough. But time is running out—and so is patience.



By WafricNews World Desk | April 29, 2025