Russia rejects quick Ukraine ceasefire without long-term resolution

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned that a ceasefire in Ukraine without addressing the root causes of the conflict could lead to a renewed outbreak of hostilities and further deterioration of Russia-US relations. He emphasized that a long-term solution is essential to resolve the crisis, which he attributes to decades of destructive policies by the US and Europe. High-level discussions between Russian and US officials in Riyadh highlighted this position, with Ryabkov asserting that merely halting hostilities would be inadequate. In contrast, Ukrainian intelligence officials argue that Russia seeks a ceasefire primarily to regroup and prepare for further aggression, as their economy struggles. Oleh Ivashchenko from Ukraine’s Foreign Intelligence Service stated that a pause would allow Russia to restore its military capabilities and resources. This conflicting outlook underscores the complexity of achieving a sustainable peace in the region.