**US Offers 30-Day Ceasefire to Russia in Ukraine Conflict**
The US has proposed a 30-day ceasefire with Russia in the conflict over Ukraine. The proposal was made by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but so far, there is no response from the Kremlin.
Russia’s foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said that the country would consider the proposal, but wouldn’t comment further. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov also refused to make any statements, saying only that Russia was “acquainting itself” with the joint statement made in Jeddah.
US envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Moscow on Thursday to discuss the proposal, and Peskov said that the press would be kept informed. However, other than this, there has been no comment from the Kremlin.
**Putin Weighs Options**
President Vladimir Putin will have to decide whether to accept the ceasefire proposal, reject it, or demand changes to it. Some commentators believe that Russia might not want to accept the proposal, as it could lead to a disadvantageous situation for them.
Pro-Kremlin pundit Sergei Markov told the BBC that if Putin accepts the US suggestion, it would lead to a “dangerous situation” because Russia currently has the upper hand on the front line. He also suggested that Ukraine might use the month-long ceasefire to rearm, and that Russia might demand an end to Western arms supplies to Kyiv.
**Russian Society Tired of War**
Markov believes that Russian society is tired of the war, and that public opinion could be a factor in Putin’s decision. However, it’s unclear whether public opinion would have any sway on Putin’s choice.
Another potential scenario is that Russia accepts the ceasefire proposal, but then blames any violations on Ukrainian “provocations” to discredit Kyiv in Trump’s eyes. This would be similar to what happened after Russia seized Crimea in 2014.
**No Ceasefire Since 2014**
This would be the first ceasefire since Moscow’s war on Ukraine began in 2014. If it succeeds, it would be unprecedented. However, previous attempts at implementing a ceasefire have failed.
**Russian Media Reacts**
Away from the Kremlin’s silence, Russian media has been discussing the proposal openly. Some outlets have expressed jubilation over what they see as Ukraine folding to US demands, while others are skeptical about the proposal.
MP Viktor Sobolev said that a temporary ceasefire would only play into the hands of the Ukrainians, allowing them to regroup and replenish their ranks. Others have highlighted Russian victories in the Kursk region, where parts of it were occupied by Ukraine since last summer.
**Putin’s Decision**
Ultimately, the decision will rest with President Putin, who is central to this deal along with Trump. A telephone conversation between the two presidents might be needed to finalize the agreement.