**US Envoy Dismisses Russia’s Proposed Ceasefire, Urges Comprehensive Peace Deal**
The United States has rejected Russia’s plan for a three-day ceasefire next week, calling it “absurd.” Instead, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg is pushing for a comprehensive and lasting peace deal to end the war in Ukraine. According to Kellogg, the US is seeking a permanent ceasefire that covers all aspects of war – sea, air, land, and infrastructure – for at least 30 days.
**Russia’s Proposal Falls Short**
Russian President Vladimir Putin had announced a temporary ceasefire from May 8 to 11 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Soviet victory over Nazi Germany. However, this proposal has been dismissed by Ukraine and the US as insufficient. Ukrainian Foreign Affairs Minister Andrii Sybiha wrote on X that if Russia truly wants peace, it must cease fire immediately, rather than waiting for a short-term truce.
**US Envoy Optimistic About Peace Deal**
Despite the challenges ahead, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg remains optimistic about the prospects of a comprehensive peace deal. He acknowledged that Ukrainian officials had some reservations about the 22-point term sheet produced by US negotiators in London, but noted that this was a normal part of negotiations. Kellogg emphasized that it’s now up to Russia and Putin to take the next step towards peace.
**Long-Distance Diplomatic Process**
Kellogg likened the diplomatic process to a long-distance race, where the first mile is not the hardest part – it’s the last one that requires the most effort. He expressed confidence that Ukraine is in a good position and that Russia needs to realize that nobody will win this war militarily.
**A Permanent Ceasefire Needed**
Kellogg stressed that a permanent ceasefire is necessary for any lasting peace deal, rather than a short-term truce. “What the president wants is a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire,” he said. This echoes Ukrainian officials’ demands that Russia must cease fire immediately if it truly wants peace.
As the conflict in Ukraine continues to unfold, the international community remains divided over how to bring an end to the war. The US, however, seems committed to pushing for a comprehensive and lasting peace deal, rather than accepting temporary solutions like the proposed three-day ceasefire.
