Ukraine and Russia closer to a full ceasefire than ever before - US State Department
Photo: Tammy Bruce, US State Department spokesperson (x.com/USEmbassy)
The US is working to ensure that Ukraine and Russia reach a full ceasefire. The parties are closer to this than ever before, according to a briefing by US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce.
"There's one thing we are working on, that's a ceasefire. I have nothing to say about what comes after a ceasefire, that has to be manifested as full. And we are close to that. This is what’s fascinating. We have never been closer, a breath away from a full ceasefire," Bruce stated.
She clarified that a lasting peace will be discussed only after a full ceasefire is in place. Such a scenario is achievable because "humanity has done this in the past."
According to Bruce, American negotiators in Saudi Arabia are currently discussing with Ukraine and Russia the possibility of expanding the ceasefire regime "to the Black Sea."
"(The goal now - ed.) is to fully restore peaceful commercial activity. The Black Sea, of course, is key to that. We are continuing contact with both Russia and Ukraine. We're committed to continuing our work to bridge that gap," the State Department spokesperson said.
She added that the US wants to help Ukraine and Russia reach an agreement.
Ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine
So far, only Ukraine has agreed to a full ceasefire for 30 days without any additional conditions.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin is demanding conditions that are unacceptable for Ukraine, even for a truce. In particular, he insists that military aid for Ukrainian defenders must be completely halted in the event of a ceasefire.
Therefore, discussions are currently focused only on a partial ceasefire, which would involve halting strikes on energy infrastructure. A cessation of attacks on ports is also being considered.
