**Russia Continues to Choose War, Says Ukraine Foreign Minister**
It’s been 100 days since Ukraine agreed to a U.S. proposal for a ceasefire, but Russia continues to reject the offer and instead intensify its attacks on Ukrainian cities.
According to Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, “A hundred days of Russian manipulations and missed opportunities to end the war. A hundred days of Russia escalating terror against Ukraine rather than ending it.”
Ukraine initially accepted the U.S. proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire during talks in Jeddah on March 11. However, Russia has rejected the offer and instead made maximalist demands.
Sybiha urged international pressure to push Moscow toward ending the war. “It is time to act now and force Russia to peace,” he said. “Peace through strength, increased sanctions, and enhanced capabilities for Ukraine.”
European leaders have declared they are ready to impose additional sanctions on Russia as the 18th sanctions package is being prepared.
**Russia’s Military Spending Increases**
Top EU diplomat Kaja Kallas noted that Russia’s military spending has sharply increased. Moscow is now allocating more money to defense than the EU combined, and more than its own health care, education, and social policies put together.
**Ukraine’s Air Defenses in Action**
In recent days, Ukrainian air defenses have shot down 40 drones, while 48 disappeared from radars or were intercepted by electronic warfare. The number of Russian casualties has also increased, with over 1,080 injuries reported just over the past day.
**International Pressure Mounts**
The U.S. Senate is postponing action on a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill until at least July, as other legislative and foreign policy priorities dominate the agenda.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has brushed off Moscow’s demands for Kyiv to destroy or dismantle Western-supplied weapons as a condition for a ceasefire, saying it shows disregard for U.S. peace efforts.
**Commentary**
The continued rejection of the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire by Russia is a stark reminder of the complexities of international diplomacy. Despite the passage of 100 days since Ukraine agreed to the offer, Moscow remains committed to its aggressive stance against Ukraine.
As the situation on the ground continues to escalate, it’s clear that international pressure will be necessary to push Russia toward peace. However, the lack of engagement from key players like the U.S. and EU may hinder efforts to bring a swift end to the conflict.
The fate of Ukraine hangs in the balance as tensions between Moscow and Kyiv continue to rise. It remains to be seen whether international pressure can ultimately lead to a peaceful resolution or if Russia will continue to choose war.
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