A senior Russian official has indicated that a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine is unlikely to materialise this year, casting doubt on recent diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the war.
Grigory Karasin, the head of Russia’s delegation in recent ceasefire discussions with the United States, revealed that progress has been limited.
Speaking on Russian state television, Mr Karasin, chairman of Russia’s Federation Council Committee on International Affairs and a former ambassador to the UK, said a ceasefire may not come “this year or at the end of this year”.
“It would be naive to expect any breakthrough results at the very first meeting,” he said, highlighting the lack of immediate success in the talks.
His comments follow a tentative agreement between Ukraine and Russia on restricting strikes against energy infrastructure and Black Sea operations. However, both nations have already accused each other of violating the limited ceasefire.
Russia Rejects 30-Day Truce Backed by US
Tensions escalated after Moscow dismissed a proposal for a 30-day unconditional truce supported by both the US and Ukraine on March 11. The move has drawn criticism from Western allies and reinforced perceptions that Russia is not serious about halting its military offensive.
Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire to bring the conflict to a quick close, showed signs of frustration with the Kremlin’s approach.
“I think that Russia wants to see an end to it, but it could be they’re dragging their feet,” Mr Trump remarked, hinting at possible strategic delays by Moscow.
Ukraine Accuses Russia of Stalling Peace Efforts
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has openly criticised Russia’s approach to the ceasefire talks, suggesting the Kremlin is prolonging the process without any real commitment to peace.
“For too long now, America’s proposal for an unconditional ceasefire has been on the table without an adequate response from Russia,” Mr Zelensky said during his evening address on Saturday.
“There could already be a ceasefire if there was real pressure on Russia,” he added, while expressing gratitude to countries that have intensified sanctions on Moscow.
Kremlin’s Demands and Strategic Ambitions
The Kremlin has made clear that any deal on Black Sea operations would be contingent on reconnecting select Russian banks to the global financial system.
President Vladimir Putin also reiterated his push for a “transitional administration” in Ukraine – a thinly veiled demand to remove Mr Zelensky and install a pro-Moscow regime in Kyiv.
Amidst growing unrest and political manoeuvring, tensions around the Russian leadership have intensified. Recent reports of an explosion involving Putin’s limousine in Moscow have fuelled further speculation around internal instability within the Kremlin.
Military Escalation Continues on the Ground
Despite diplomatic manoeuvring, hostilities remain intense. The Russian defence ministry claimed on Sunday that its forces had seized two villages – Shchebraki in southern Zaporizhzhia and Panteleimonivka in eastern Donetsk.
In another development, Ukraine accused Russia of committing a war crime after a military hospital in Kharkiv was hit during a wave of overnight drone strikes.
According to Ukrainian officials, six strikes impacted the northeastern city from Saturday into Sunday. A residential building was also struck, resulting in the deaths of a 67-year-old man and a 70-year-old woman. At least 35 others were wounded.
“According to preliminary reports, there are casualties among the military personnel who were undergoing treatment at the medical centre,” the Ukrainian army reported. It also said that the military hospital and surrounding civilian structures were struck by Shahed drones.
“Violating the norms of international humanitarian law,” Ukraine’s military labelled the attack a “war crime”.
Zelensky Calls for Stronger Western Response
In his nightly video address, President Zelensky urged Western partners to take decisive action in response to Russia’s near-daily strikes.
“Our partners must understand that these Russian strikes target not only our people but also all international efforts, diplomatic efforts aimed at ending this war,” he said.
Military analysts believe Russia is preparing for a renewed offensive in the coming weeks, aiming to exert further pressure on Ukraine and gain leverage in ceasefire negotiations.
