CNN: Trump’s Peace Dream for Ukraine Faces Putin’s Hard Reality

CNN views the 30-day ceasefire agreement between Russia and Ukraine as a positive development with significant caveats. Many questions remain about its implementation and Vladimir Putin’s stance. The announcement came after talks between U.S. and Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia. The international community awaits Moscow’s response. ‘The ball is now in Russia’s court,’ said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, echoing statements by Antonio Costa and Ursula von der Leyen. While a 30-day ceasefire is good news, its execution remains complex, especially in a decade-long conflict. Analysts believe Moscow is under pressure to show it’s not an obstacle to Trump’s peace efforts. However, CNN cautions that after years of aggression, there are few signs Moscow truly seeks peace, except during recent talks with the U.S. Putin may accept some form of truce to maintain the illusion of being Trump’s partner in peace. Yet, he might delay its start to achieve military objectives, particularly in Kursk. If implemented, challenges include Russia’s reluctance to engage in substantive negotiations and Ukraine’s refusal to freeze the front line, which would mean losing 20% of its territory. A full ceasefire across all fronts for a month is a major demand but fraught with risks of accidental or deliberate violations. Past history suggests skepticism, as Russia has often used deception tactics. If the truce collapses due to Russian actions, there’s concern Trump might mistakenly blame Ukraine, leading to a halt in Western aid and enabling Moscow to launch another offensive.