**US and Russia on Brink of War Negotiations: A Crucial Week Ahead**
The United States is stepping up efforts to broker a ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized the need for an immediate end to the war during his call with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on April 27.
**A Critical Week Ahead**
Rubio has warned that the upcoming week will be crucial in deciding whether the US will continue its involvement in efforts to end Russia’s war. The US Special Envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 25. Rubio spoke to Lavrov at the Russian official’s request and stressed that the “United States is serious about facilitating an end to this senseless war.”
**A Call for Ceasefire**
US President Donald Trump has also urged Putin to stop shooting, sit down, and sign a deal to end the Ukraine war. On April 27, Trump said, “I want (Putin) to stop shooting, sit down and sign a deal… We have the confines of a deal, I believe, and I want him to sign it and be done with it.”
**Russia’s Humanitarian Truce**
However, Putin announced a so-called “humanitarian” truce in Russia’s war against Ukraine on April 28. This move has been met with skepticism by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who slammed Putin’s proposal as proof that Russia does not want to end its war.
**Zelensky Rejects Truce**
“We value human lives, not parades,” Zelensky said. “That’s why we believe — and the world believes — that there is no reason to wait until May 8.” Ukraine has already agreed to a US-proposed full 30-day ceasefire if Russia agrees to it.
**Russia’s Maximalist Demands**
The Kremlin has shown signs that it is unwilling to move forward on a peace deal with Ukraine. Russian authorities have listed maximalist demands in ceasefire negotiations with Ukraine and the US. These include Russia’s insistence on control over five Ukrainian regions as a condition for peace talks.
**A Lasting Peace Requires Firm Stance**
Zelensky has repeatedly called for a full 30-day ceasefire, saying that lasting peace in Ukraine requires increased pressure on Russia and security guarantees.
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