Challenges to land ceasefire: Political expert explains issues

Fesenko noted that a ceasefire on land would be difficult to implement, as the frontline is not fixed.

"If we’re talking about a land ceasefire, the first issue is determining the line of contact. Where is it? What does it look like?" he said.

He emphasized that the frontline runs through regions like Kharkiv, Donbas, and southern areas, all of which remain unstable. Fighting continues in Pokrovsk, Chasiv Yar, and Toretsk.

“The frontline is unstable, it needs to be fixed, it needs to be agreed upon by both sides, and this will not be easy under the current conditions,” the political scientist added.

He pointed out that even during the Minsk talks, disagreements over the frontline arose, and these challenges still exist. As a result, establishing a ceasefire would likely require separate, complicated negotiations.

Fesenko suggested that a ceasefire could happen in phases, starting with air, sea, and energy infrastructure, followed by land.

He stressed that achieving a land ceasefire is crucial for ending the war.

"Without a land ceasefire, there will be no end to the war. This is the first step," he added.

He believes Ukraine should demonstrate readiness for a ceasefire and propose direct talks with Russia, mediated by the United States.

Ceasefire

Earlier, Bloomberg reported that US President Donald Trump wants to ensure that Ukraine agrees to a quick ceasefire with Russia. Such an agreement is a condition for signing a minerals deal.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has proposed a ceasefire at sea and in the air, suggesting these could be the initial steps toward ending the war.

This idea is likely to be discussed by Ukrainian and American officials at talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11.