In a significant development in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, Russia has formally responded to the US-backed truce proposal, marking a potential turning point in the year-long war. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov confirmed that Moscow has reviewed one version of the comprehensive 28-point draft agreement that aligns with earlier understandings reached in Alaska.
Kremlin's Cautious Response to Peace Proposal
Yuri Ushakov, the key Kremlin official overseeing the negotiations, revealed that while several provisions in the draft were acceptable to Moscow, critical issues still require detailed multilateral discussions. The Russian response comes at a crucial juncture when both US and Ukrainian negotiators announced major progress during their meetings in Geneva.
The timing of Moscow's statement appears coordinated with the Geneva talks, where Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the sessions as the most productive to date. This positive assessment from the American side indicates potential breakthroughs in the complex negotiation process that has seen multiple setbacks over the past months.
Zelensky's Call for Continued Pressure
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, while acknowledging the progress in Geneva, emphasized the need for maintaining global pressure on Russia. The Ukrainian leader's statement reflects concerns about ensuring that any agreement doesn't compromise the country's sovereignty or territorial integrity.
US officials involved in the negotiations cautiously noted that while significant ground has been covered, several unresolved points remain on the table. The delicate nature of these outstanding issues suggests that the path to a comprehensive truce agreement still faces hurdles.
Political Tensions and Negotiation Challenges
The negotiations haven't been without political drama. Former President Donald Trump created waves by accusing Kyiv of showing zero gratitude for American support. Despite these political tensions and rhetorical exchanges, both negotiating teams characterized the Geneva talks as meaningful and substantive.
The 28-point draft proposal under review represents the most detailed peace framework discussed since the conflict began. Its alignment with earlier Alaska understandings suggests continuity in the negotiation process, even as political leadership changes in participating countries.
As the international community watches closely, the progress in Geneva combined with Russia's formal engagement with the proposal signals the most promising moment for peace since the conflict escalated. However, diplomats caution that the devil remains in the details, and the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this momentum can translate into a sustainable ceasefire agreement.
