**US President Donald Trump Hails Russian Proposal for Three-Day Ceasefire as Significant Step Towards Peace Settlement**
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, US President Donald Trump has hailed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire as a major step towards a peace settlement. Speaking to reporters in an Oval Office briefing on May 5, Trump expressed optimism about the prospects of a peace agreement, citing the current low price of oil as a favorable factor.
**A Temporary Truce?**
Putin had announced the so-called “humanitarian truce” from May 7-9, coinciding with Moscow’s Victory Day celebrations. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has dismissed Putin’s announcement as a mere “theatrical performance” rather than a serious move towards peace. This skepticism is not unfounded, given Russia’s history of violating ceasefires in the conflict.
**A Shift in Tone?**
Trump’s response to Putin’s proposal marks a significant shift in tone from his previous statement on April 26, when he expressed frustration with Russia’s lack of cooperation in peace negotiations. On that occasion, Trump had even suggested that the US may need to escalate by imposing additional sanctions against Russia. However, it seems that Trump is now choosing to focus on the positive aspect of Putin’s proposal.
**A Meeting on the Horizon?**
Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has claimed that a meeting between Putin and Trump is “on the radar” but has not yet been scheduled. This would be the first direct meeting between the two leaders since the conflict began, and it could potentially play a crucial role in brokering a lasting peace agreement.
**What’s Next?**
As the international community continues to grapple with the complexities of this conflict, one thing is clear: any meaningful progress towards a peace settlement will require genuine cooperation from both Russia and Ukraine. While Trump’s optimism is welcome, it remains to be seen whether Putin’s proposal for a three-day ceasefire marks a genuine shift in his approach or simply another attempt to buy time.
**A Commentary by Abbey Fenbert**
As a senior news editor at the Kyiv Independent and a veteran of the conflict, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ebb and flow of diplomatic efforts. While Trump’s enthusiasm is understandable, we must not forget that this ceasefire proposal comes from the same Russia that has repeatedly violated its own agreements.
In my opinion, any lasting peace agreement will require significant concessions from both parties, including an acknowledgment of Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Until then, we can only remain cautiously optimistic about the prospects for a genuine peace settlement.
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