Ukrainians Skeptical of U.S.-Proposed 30-Day Ceasefire
For Ukrainian soldiers on the front lines, the U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire proposal does not bring relief—only skepticism.
On March 11, high-level U.S. and Ukrainian delegations left peace talks in Saudi Arabia after agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire proposal with Russia, sparking hopes for an end to more than three years of brutal warfare.
"We see this as a positive step and are ready to implement it. Now, the U.S. must convince Russia to do the same. If Russia agrees, the ceasefire will take effect immediately," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said.
However, on the eastern battlefront, few believe that fighting will truly stop—even if Moscow formally accepts the ceasefire deal.
"They’ll tell the public that the fighting and shelling will stop, but they always find ways to harass us—and they will keep doing so," said Malchik, a 44-year-old Ukrainian soldier. "The only way is to defeat them on the battlefield."
Maksym Taranenko, a 28-year-old Ukrainian serviceman, echoed similar concerns, arguing that the 30-day ceasefire would primarily benefit Russia.
"You can move tanks to the front line without fear of being fired upon," he said, adding that Ukraine would not enjoy the same strategic advantage, as international observers monitoring the ceasefire would likely restrict Kyiv’s military movements.
Taranenko suggested that the ceasefire could work only if foreign peacekeeping troops were deployed to oversee it. However, the Kremlin has repeatedly rejected the idea of European forces being stationed in Ukraine.
Moscow’s Response and Growing Doubts in Kyiv
The Kremlin said on March 12 that it is waiting for more details from Washington regarding the ceasefire deal. However, Konstantin Kosachev, Deputy Chairman of Russia’s Federation Council, made it clear that Moscow—not Washington—would dictate the terms of any agreement.
"Real agreements are being made on the battlefield, and Washington needs to understand that," Kosachev stated.
Skepticism is also growing among Kyiv’s residents.
Roman Dunayevsky, a 56-year-old Kyiv resident, called the ceasefire proposal a "good idea" but warned that a temporary truce is easy to violate.
Another local, Oleg, expressed similar doubts but remained hopeful. "Peace is necessary, and I truly hope it comes soon," he said.
Oksana Yevsiukova, a Kyiv-based researcher, was even more pessimistic.
"I don’t think a 30-day ceasefire will contribute to any real peace deal," she said. She also worried that any pause in hostilities would give Russia and the U.S. more room to strengthen diplomatic ties—potentially leading to negotiations that are unfavorable to Ukraine.
"For soldiers on the battlefield, I don’t know if 30 days will be enough time for them to rest and recover. But in terms of national interests, I think this is a bad idea," Yevsiukova added.
Mixed Reactions from Russia and Europe
In Russia, some see the 30-day ceasefire proposal as a long-overdue step toward peace.
"Of course, I welcome the ceasefire with great hope," said Dmitry, a resident of Vnukovo, near Moscow, expressing his wish for an end to the "rockets, drones, and deaths."
Meanwhile, European leaders welcomed the proposal.
"The idea of a 30-day ceasefire is an important and necessary step toward a just peace for Ukraine. The next move now depends on Russian President Vladimir Putin," German Chancellor Olaf Scholz posted on X on March 12.
Strategic Move by Ukraine?
Some experts argue that Ukraine’s decision to accept the ceasefire was a tactical move.
"They’re shifting the burden onto Russia, forcing Moscow to either accept the deal or face Trump’s wrath," said Samuel Charap, a political scientist at RAND Corporation, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump.
(Sources: AFP, AP)
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