Ukrainian officials have recently voiced their deep skepticism regarding the potential for a ceasefire with Russia, labeling President Vladimir Putin as untrustworthy and likening negotiations with him to dealings with gangsters. This sentiment comes in the wake of a series of talks mediated by the United States aimed at establishing a truce in the ongoing conflict that has persisted since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
On March 25, 2025, after three days of negotiations, a ceasefire agreement was announced, aiming to eliminate the use of force in the Black Sea and to halt attacks on energy infrastructure. However, just hours after the announcement, Russia launched a drone attack on the Ukrainian port city of Mykolaiv, causing emergency power outages and further escalating tensions. The mayor of Mykolaiv reported that seven drones were destroyed overnight during the attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who shared footage of the aftermath of a 117-drone attack on the central city of Kryvyi Rih, expressed frustration over Russia's continued aggression, stating that it is a clear indication that Moscow is not genuinely pursuing peace. “Literally every night, through its attacks, Russia keeps saying ‘no’ to our partners’ peace proposal,” he remarked in a post on social media.
Despite the U.S. assuring Kyiv that the ceasefire deal was effective immediately, the Kremlin has insisted that the agreement would only take effect once certain conditions are met, including the reconnection of a sanctioned Russian state bank to the international payment system. This demand has raised concerns in Europe, where leaders are worried that the U.S. administration is too eager to negotiate concessions that could undermine their collective bargaining power against Russia.
“You can never trust, you can never rely [on him],” said Oleksandr Merezhko, chair of the Ukrainian parliament’s foreign policy committee, referring to Putin. He emphasized that any belief in the possibility of a reliable agreement with the Russian leader is a “total illusion.” Merezhko criticized Trump’s approach to negotiations, suggesting that it is a mockery of the diplomatic process and that the former U.S. president needs to recognize the futility of trusting Putin.
As the conflict continues, the Kremlin has reiterated its demands for the recognition of six Ukrainian regions—Crimea, Sevastopol, Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia—as Russian territory. These regions have been occupied by Russian forces, but their annexation has not been recognized by the international community. Reports indicate that Putin stated he would not lay claim to other territories, including Odessa, if these regions were recognized as part of Russia.
“The Russian side is putting up crazy claims,” commented Vlad Mykhnenko, a professor at Oxford University, highlighting the absurdity of expecting Ukrainian troops to withdraw from areas that Russian forces have never occupied. This sentiment is echoed by Zelensky, who has consistently maintained that ceding any land to Moscow is a red line for Ukraine.
While the U.S. has engaged in negotiations with both Russia and Ukraine, the outcomes have been mixed. The recent talks in Saudi Arabia, described by Russian representative Grigorii Karasin as “not an easy dialogue,” have yet to yield a comprehensive ceasefire. U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the meeting as a “great meeting,” but skepticism remains regarding the actual progress made.
Amid these discussions, fighting has continued unabated. Reports indicate that as negotiations were taking place, Russia struck several targets in Ukraine’s Sumy region, resulting in approximately 90 injuries. Ukraine’s military claims to have killed over 900,000 Russian soldiers since the onset of the conflict, underscoring the high stakes involved on the battlefield.
In light of the ongoing violence, some analysts argue that the only way to compel Putin to negotiate in good faith is through a show of strength. Merezhko called for the total economic isolation of Russia, asserting that results can only be achieved under extreme pressure.
Furthermore, as European leaders prepare for a summit in Paris, they face the challenge of maintaining their bargaining chips in negotiations with Russia while navigating the shifting priorities of the U.S. administration. The Trump administration’s desire to ease sanctions on Moscow as an incentive for peace has raised alarms among European diplomats, who fear that essential leverage might be sacrificed.
In a related development, the Kremlin has emphasized that any easing of sanctions, particularly those affecting Russian food and fertilizer exports, is a prerequisite for the activation of the ceasefire agreement. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that while negotiations have been constructive, the conditions for a ceasefire must be fulfilled before any real progress can be made.
As the situation unfolds, the prospect of a lasting peace remains uncertain. With both sides entrenched in their positions, and with the specter of further military action looming, the hope for a peaceful resolution appears increasingly distant. The ongoing conflict not only threatens the stability of Ukraine but also poses significant geopolitical challenges for Europe and the broader international community.
In summary, the recent developments in the negotiations between Russia and Ukraine highlight the complexities and challenges of achieving a ceasefire. With both sides holding firm to their demands, and with ongoing violence undermining trust, the path to peace remains fraught with obstacles. The international community watches closely as the situation continues to evolve, hoping for a resolution that can bring an end to the suffering and instability caused by the conflict.
