Ukraine Agrees to 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal with 18-Mile Buffer Zone, Russia Yet to Respond
KYIV, Ukraine - In a significant development in the ongoing conflict, Ukraine has agreed to a comprehensive 30-day ceasefire proposal that includes an 18-mile (30-kilometer) demilitarized buffer zone along the front lines, according to U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg [1][3].
The proposal, which emerged from recent negotiations in London involving a 'coalition of the willing' led by France, Britain, and Germany, aims to freeze hostilities on land, sea, and air [3]. Under this plan, both Ukrainian and Russian forces would withdraw 9 miles (15 km) from their current positions [1].
"Ukrainians want to have a comprehensive ceasefire — sea, land, air, infrastructure — for a minimum of 30 days," Kellogg stated in an interview with Fox News [1]. He added that while not all conditions are favorable to Ukraine, "we've driven ourselves to the position that we can go" [3].
The ceasefire proposal comes as the conflict enters its third year, with both sides seeking diplomatic solutions amidst ongoing hostilities. Kellogg emphasized that the main obstacle to implementing the ceasefire is Russian President Vladimir Putin [3].
This development follows Ukraine's rejection of Russia's offer for a brief three-day truce during the 80th anniversary of Victory Day celebrations [1]. Ukrainian officials viewed the short-term offer as a tactical move by Russia rather than a genuine step towards peace.
The potential ceasefire has sparked debate among current and former U.S. officials. Former President Joe Biden, in his first interview since leaving office, criticized the Trump administration's approach to Ukraine as "modern-day appeasement" of Russia [2][5]. Biden warned against conceding territory to Putin, stating, "anybody who thinks Putin would stop after territory concessions is just foolish" [2].
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Julie Davis in Kyiv to discuss bilateral cooperation and diplomatic efforts to end the war [7]. Sybiha noted that Russia had continued strikes against Ukrainian cities for almost two months instead of agreeing to the U.S. proposal for a long-term ceasefire, which Ukraine accepted on March 11 [7].
As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely for Russia's response to this latest ceasefire proposal. The outcome could significantly impact the future of the region and global geopolitics.