Ukraine Awaits Russian Response to Ceasefire Proposal

President Volodymyr Zelensky has accused Russia of delaying peace by not responding to a proposed 30-day ceasefire, aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which Kyiv has already agreed to under U.S. mediation. Despite the proposal for a ceasefire, Russia's recent territorial gains in Kursk Oblast and its perceived advantage on the battlefield may deter it from agreeing to the truce. Meanwhile, the European Union's new defense financing initiative, ReArm Europe, is criticized by peace activists for prioritizing military spending over social benefits. The ongoing conflict has resulted in massive humanitarian crises with over 42,000 civilian deaths, millions displaced, and extensive damage to Ukraine's infrastructure. The historical roots of the conflict, including the cultural and educational shifts following Russia-backed separatists' control in Donetsk, continue to affect Ukrainian identity and national cohesion. As the conflict persists, the international community remains on edge, watching closely for Russia's response to the ceasefire proposal.