**Russia Unlikely to Agree to 30-Day Ceasefire in Ukraine**
Russia is unlikely to agree to a temporary truce in Ukraine proposed by the U.S., according to Reuters. The proposal, which was made during talks between Ukraine and the U.S. in Jeddah on March 11, suggests a 30-day ceasefire that can be extended by mutual agreement.
**Russia’s Conditions**
Any ceasefire agreement would have to take into account Russia’s recent battlefield advances and provide “guarantees” to Moscow, sources told Reuters. This is because Russia feels it has the upper hand on the battlefield and views the ceasefire as a trap.
**Ukraine’s Agreement**
Ukraine agreed to the U.S. proposal for a 30-day truce during talks in Jeddah on March 11. The agreement was announced by Ukraine’s Presidential Office, which stated that Kyiv is ready to accept Washington’s proposal to immediately implement a temporary ceasefire.
**Russian Response**
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov gave an evasive answer when asked about the U.S. proposal, saying that the topic must first be discussed with the American side. Russian nationalist voices and pro-war bloggers have already denounced the ceasefire proposal.
**Casualties and Damage**
Russian attacks across Ukraine killed at least 14 civilians and injured at least 33 over the past day, regional authorities reported on March 12. The casualties included children and Syrian crew members of a merchant vessel in Odesa.
**International Reactions**
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the results of Ukraine’s talks with the U.S. in Jeddah and reaffirmed the EU’s support for Ukraine. French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu said that France will reject any form of demilitarisation of Ukraine.
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