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Wednesday, September 24, 2025

Category: War
May 2, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

U.S. Steps Back from Mediation Role in Ukraine, Urges Kiev, Moscow to Get Serious About Peace.

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❓What Happened: The U.S. State Department confirmed on May 1, 2025, that it will no longer mediate peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, shifting responsibility to Kiev and Moscow to resolve the conflict.

👥 Who’s Involved: Vice President J.D. Vance, State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, President Donald J. Trump, and leaders in Ukraine and Russia.

📍 Where & When: Announced by the State Department in Washington, D.C., on May 1, 2025, with Vance’s comments on Fox News.

💬 Key Quote: Vice President Vance stated, “It’s not going anywhere… it’s not going to end any time soon,” emphasizing that “it would now be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict.”

⚠️ Impact: The U.S. withdrawal from mediation signals a strategic pivot, allowing the Trump administration to focus on domestic priorities instead of a foreign war, while pressuring both sides to take ownership of peace negotiations.

IN FULL:

The United States is stepping back from its role as a mediator in peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, a move confirmed by the State Department on May 1, 2025. Vice President J.D. Vance delivered a stark warning about the war’s trajectory, telling Fox News, “It’s not going anywhere… it’s not going to end any time soon.” He stressed that the onus is now on Kyiv and Moscow to resolve the conflict, stating, “It would now be up to them to come to an agreement and stop this brutal, brutal conflict.”

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce elaborated on the policy change, noting that the U.S. is altering “the methodology of how we contribute” to the talks. She made clear that the days of extensive U.S. involvement are over, saying, “We will continue to help, but we will no longer fly around the world as mediators in meetings.”

Bruce added, “Now it is up to the two sides, the time has come when they must present and develop concrete ideas on how to end this conflict. It will be up to them.” The announcement follows the State Department’s warning that it would withdraw unless “concrete proposals” emerged from both parties, a condition unmet amid escalating violence, including Russia’s largest assault on Kiev since July 2024, which killed at least 12 and injured 90, according to Ukrainian officials.

Vance highlighted President Trump’s efforts to bring both sides to the negotiating table, but emphasized that the U.S. will no longer lead the mediation process. The Kremlin has expressed openness to direct talks but rejected a recent U.S. peace proposal, insisting on international recognition of its seized territories—a demand Ukraine staunchly opposes.

With both sides entrenched, the U.S. decision to step back allows the Trump administration to redirect its focus to pressing domestic issues such as economic renewal and mass deportations, while pushing Kiev and Moscow to take responsibility for ending their conflict.

Image via Mvs.gov.ua.

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May 2, 2025
War
World

Trump Poised to Strike Another Minerals Deal Amid African Peace Push.

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❓What Happened: The U.S. is encouraging Congo and Rwanda to sign a peace agreement at the White House within roughly two months, which will include bilateral mineral deals attracting Western investment.

👥 Who’s Involved: The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Rwanda, U.S. government, M23 rebel group, U.S. Africa advisor Massad Boulos, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Western companies.

📍 Where & When: White House signing proposed in about two months; drafts expected Friday; mid-May meeting in Washington; ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.

💬 Key Quote: “When we sign the peace agreement … the minerals deal with the DRC will be signed on that day, and then a similar package, but of a different size, will be signed on that day with Rwanda.” — Massad Boulos, U.S. senior advisor for Africa.

⚠️ Impact: The accord may facilitate Western investments in Congolese and Rwandan mines, contingent upon security measures being addressed, supporting regional stability, and reducing Chinese influence.

IN FULL:

The Trump administration is actively working to facilitate a peace agreement between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda, aiming for a formal signing at the White House within two months. The accord is expected to be accompanied by bilateral mineral agreements, bringing substantial investments from Western firms to the mineral-abundant region. Massad Boulos, President Donald J. Trump’s senior advisor for Africa, confirmed this development during an engagement in Doha, Qatar.

“When we sign the peace agreement … the minerals deal with the DRC (Democratic Republic of Congo) will be signed on that day, and then a similar package, but of a different size, will be signed on that day with Rwanda,” Boulos said.

Presently, the North Kivu province in the Democratic Republic of Congo experiences significant unrest, due to activities from the M23 rebels, widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—although Rwanda officially denies involvement. Both nations are anticipated to present drafts of the proposed peace accord shortly, as a prelude to a meeting in Washington scheduled for mid-May, where U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with their foreign ministers.

The deal also seeks large-scale investments in the mining sector, particularly in Congo, which possesses extensive resources but has substantial infrastructure needs. Rwanda is recognized for its mid- to downstream mining capabilities. Strategically, greater Western involvement in the region would likely diminish longstanding Chinese influence.

The investment agreements will be conditional on both countries addressing specific security concerns. These include the withdrawal of Rwandan troops from Congolese territory and the cessation of support for the M23 group. Additionally, the Democratic Republic of Congo must address Rwanda’s apprehensions concerning militias like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR).

Ahead of the intended White House ceremony, a committee comprised of representatives from the U.S., Qatar, France, and Togo (representing the African Union) will monitor each country’s adherence to the preliminary terms.

The accords come just days after President Trump confirmed a mineral deal with Ukraine covering several key resources, such as rare earth minerals. The agreement is part of the larger peace process to end Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia.

Image by MONUSCO Photos/Clara Padovan.

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May 2, 2025
News
War
World

How U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Agreement Grants U.S. Access to Key Resources.

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❓What Happened: The new Ukraine-U.S. minerals deal creates a joint investment fund aimed at rebuilding Ukraine and expanding its ability to mine and extract critical resources like rare earth minerals. Notably, the U.S. contribution to the fund will partially come in the form of future military aid, though the agreement does not provide Ukraine with any military security guarantees.

👥 Who’s Involved: The agreement involves the United States and Ukraine, with significant involvement from national leaders Donald J. Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: The deal was signed late on Wednesday.

💬 Key Quote: “I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery. Economic security is national security.” — Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent.

⚠️ Impact: The deal could increase America’s stake in the Ukrainian economy, potentially paving the way for security guarantees to preserve American interests.

IN FULL:

Ukraine’s new minerals deal with the United States does not include security guarantees but does outline the creation of a joint investment fund between the two nations. According to the agreement text, the U.S. will manage the fund, and its income will be derived from Ukraine’s mineral resources.

The deal covers several strategic resources, such as titanium, used in construction and aircraft, uranium for nuclear power and weapons, and lithium, a vital component of electric vehicles and consumer electronic batteries.

“I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery. Economic security is national security,” Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent said.

Ukraine has succeeded in removing a condition that would have labeled previous U.S. aid as debt requiring repayment via mineral wealth. This aspect of the agreement is seen as a compromise to avoid embarrassment for the Ukrainian government.

Key to the deal is its potential to foster U.S. interests in Ukraine, aligning the U.S. government’s strategic goals with the fate of the Ukrainian state.

The finalized deal also maintains the opportunity for Ukraine to join the European Union (EU), keeping an essential future pathway to Western integration open. Potential NATO membership for Ukraine remains more elusive and is not supported by President Trump.

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April 30, 2025
Christopher Tomlinson
War
World

Zelensky Threatens Russian WW2 Victory Parade Which China’s Xi Will Attend.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made veiled threats to attack Russia’s Victory Day parade, which commemorates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany, despite the fact foreign leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping will attend.

👥 Who’s Involved: Volodymyr Zelensky, pro-Ukraine social media figures, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Xi Jinping.

📍 Where & When: Zelensky posted a video on social media on April 30.

💬 Key Quote: “Right now, they are worried about whether they can hold their military parade—and rightly so,” said President Zelensky.

⚠️ Impact: An attack on a parade attended by Putin, civilians, including elderly veterans, and Xi Jinping could provoke a massive response from Russia and draw China into the conflict, undermining President Trump’s attempts to secure a peace deal.

IN FULL:

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky issued a thinly veiled threat against Russia’s upcoming Victory Day parade, set for May 9. Zelensky stated that Russia was worried about attacks on the event, and was right to be. Set to be attended by thousands of Russian civilians, including elderly Second World War veterans, and world leaders like Chinese President Xi Jinping, the May 9 Victory Parade celebrates the Soviet Union’s defeat of Nazi Germany and its allies in the Second World War.

In a video published on April 30, Zelensky stated, “Right now, they are worried about whether they can hold their military parade—and rightly so. But what they should be worried about is that this war is still ongoing.” Some have pointed out that a large contingent of military personnel and equipment will take part in the parade, with pro-Ukrainian social media accounts calling for outright missile or drone strikes on a “legitimate military target.”

Caolan Robertson, a pro-Ukrainian media figure who has worked for the far-left Byline Times, stated, “Putin is terrified of Ukraine hitting his victory parade in Moscow. As he should be. Hundreds of tanks and missiles on display? That’s a great legitimate military target. I hope it gets wiped out.”

Robertson has travelled extensively to Ukraine and was in Syria shortly after the fall of Bashar Assad, posing with jihadists wearing Islamic State flags, something he seemed oblivious to at the time.

It is unclear how Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has called for a three-day ceasefire from May 8 to May 10, would react to an attack on the parade. Notably, China may regard such an attack as an act of war if it endangers Xi’s life.

President Donald J. Trump, who has accused Zelensky of trying to sabotage the peace talks between Ukraine and Russia, could also react highly negatively to such actions.

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Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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April 30, 2025
Politics
War

Trump Chief of Staff Gives Rare Interview Signaling Frustration With Ukraine, Russia.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles evaluated President Donald J. Trump’s first 100 days in office, highlighting various achievements and acknowledging areas needing improvement. Wiles specifically expressed frustration with Russian and Ukrainian resistance to peace talks, stating, “If peace is not achieved, it will be because it can’t be achieved. It just cannot.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Susie Wiles, President Trump, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, and members of Trump’s administration.

📍 Where & When: The White House in Washington, D.C., during an interview with the New York Post on Tuesday, April 29.

💬 Key Quote: Wiles stated, “The president has devoted 100 days and his very top people to Russia and Ukraine, and if peace is not achieved, it will be because it can’t be achieved. It just cannot.”

⚠️ Impact: Wiles outlined ongoing initiatives and future goals for Trump’s administration, including potential trade deals, legislative objectives, and the prospects of the U.S. government’s ongoing mediation of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine.

IN FULL:

Susie Wiles, the White House Chief of Staff, says President Donald J. Trump‘s first 100 days in office have been notably productive. Speaking to the New York Post on Tuesday, Wiles noted the America First leader has signed 142 executive orders since January 20 and mentioned the administration’s focus on trade agreements and curbing illegal immigration.

However, the first-ever female White House Chief of Staff did express consternation regarding the lack of progress in reaching a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine, suggesting peace may not be achievable in the time frame President Trump wants. “The President has devoted 100 days and his very top people to Russia and Ukraine, and if peace is not achieved, it will be because it can’t be achieved. It just cannot,” Wiles said. She continued: “I don’t know whether that will be the case or not. I mean, it may well be that we can make some headway in the next couple of weeks, but nobody would have tried it but Donald Trump.”

“Nobody would have gotten these people to the table but Donald Trump. And if they want to continue to kill people, while it’s abhorrent, you know, he can’t stop that,” she added.

Despite the setbacks in ending the Russia-Ukraine war, Wiles still praised the administration’s productivity and credited President Trump’s decisive actions for the speed at which the White House agenda has been implemented. However, Wiles did acknowledge that the Trump White House has faced more resistance than anticipated in rolling back the expanded federal government left by former President Joe Biden.

“Where I would say there was not just sort of great, amazing success is perhaps our underestimation of the size and scope of the government that Joe Biden left us,” Wiles acknowledged, adding: “The economy, the war between Russia and Ukraine, the budget, the taxes writ large, which I consider to be different than the budget, the sort of institutional resistance to even recognizing that we’ve been ripped off by foreign nations that require us to do tariffs.”

The National Pulse reported on Tuesday that President Trump is “increasingly growing frustrated” with the Russian and Ukrainian governments’ resistance to peace talks. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told The National Pulse that Trump is increasingly concerned about “the amount of time” the administration is spending on Ukraine, implicitly at the cost of domestic priorities including federal government reforms, economic revival, and mass deportations.

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April 29, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War

EXC: Trump ‘Increasingly Frustrated’ at Lack of Russia-Ukraine Peace Deal.

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❓What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt warned that the U.S. will not dedicate much more time to brokering peace between Russia and Ukraine.

👥 Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, President Donald J. Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the Russian government, and The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton.

📍Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “There’s not much more time or effort the United States has to give to this effort, and so we need both sides to come to the table to negotiate.”

⚠️ Impact: The U.S. may shift more of its focus to domestic priorities like economic renewal and mass deportations, potentially withdrawing from Russia-Ukraine peace talks if the two sides remain intransigent.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has warned that the U.S. government will not spend much more energy on mediating peace terms between Russia and Ukraine, reiterating an administration message previously relayed through Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Responding to a question from Will Upton, political editor at The National Pulse, on where the administration may stand if no progress has been made by summer, Leavitt said, “I don’t want to get ahead of the President, obviously, but, again, I will reiterate he’s increasingly growing frustrated.”

Leavitt highlighted concerns over “the amount of time” the administration is spending on Ukraine, implicitly at the cost of other priorities such as federal government reforms, economic renewal, and mass deportations. “Our Secretary of State [Marco Rubio] recently said, you know, there’s not much more time or effort the United States has to give to this effort, and so we need both sides to come to the table to negotiate,” she stressed.

President Trump has personally criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for making “inflammatory statements” not conducive to a compromise peace. However, he also had stern words for the Russian government, saying he was “very disappointed” by its orchestration of heavy missile strikes at a time when it was supposed to be embarking on a path of de-escalation.

With suspicions growing that neither side wants to make a peace deal, the administration may be preparing to wash its hands of the matter to focus more fully on its domestic agenda.

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April 29, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Leavitt: Ukraine ‘Needs to Sign’ Rare Earth Minerals Deal.

PULSE POINTS:

What Happened: White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed President Trump’s confidence in securing a rare earth minerals deal with Ukraine, stressing its importance for both nations despite past tensions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Who’s Involved: Karoline Leavitt, President Donald J. Trump, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and The National Pulse’s political editor Will Upton.

Where & When: White House press briefing, Washington, D.C., on April 29, 2025.

Key Quote: Leavitt stated, “Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” emphasizing the deal’s benefits for both the U.S. and Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

Impact: The anticipated deal could strengthen U.S. access to critical minerals while aiding Ukraine’s rebuilding efforts, though past diplomatic friction with Zelensky highlights challenges in finalizing the agreement.

IN FULL:

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed on Tuesday that President Donald J. Trump is “confident” that a deal on rare earth minerals with Ukraine will be signed, adding that the Ukrainian government “needs” to sign the agreement and that it will benefit the Ukrainian people.

Responding to a question from Will Upton, The National Pulse’s political editor, on the progress of a deal between the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government on U.S. access to rare earth minerals in the Eastern European country, Leavitt said, “The President is confident that it will be signed.”

“Ukraine needs to sign it, they should sign it,” she continued, explaining the agreement is “not just good for the United States, to recoup the billions of tax dollars we’ve spent and onshore some of those critical minerals, but certainly it’s good for the Ukrainian people when this war is over to rebuild their country.”

“It’s an economic partnership between the United States and Ukraine; that’s what the President envisions, and he wants Ukraine to sign that deal, and he’s confident that they will,” she added.

Previously, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky caused friction with the Trump administration by telling Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio he was receptive to a rare earth minerals deal in private, only to brief the media that it was an unacceptable shakedown in public.

After being called out for his behavior, Zelensky visited the White House prepared to sign documents related to a rare earth mineral deal, but this was postponed after he started an argument with Vice President Vance in the Oval Office over the need for a diplomatic resolution to the Ukraine war, leading to a tense exchange with President Trump.

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April 28, 2025
War
World

Pakistan Claims Indian Attack Imminent, Warns of Nuclear Response.

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❓What Happened: Rising tensions between India and Pakistan following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir have put both countries on high alert, with the possibility of military action being considered.

👥 Who’s Involved: The main parties involved are the governments and military forces of India and Pakistan, with mentions of Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and alleged militants.

📍 Where & When: The developments are unfolding primarily in the disputed region of Kashmir and along Pakistan’s Afghan border as of April 2025.

💬 Key Quote: “We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now,” said Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Pakistan’s Defense Minister, of a potential Indian attack.

⚠️ Impact: Potential military actions could escalate into greater conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbors, with risks of regional instability.

IN FULL:

Pakistan’s Defense Minister issued a warning of a possible military attack by India on April 28 as tensions mount following a militant attack in Indian Kashmir that resulted in 26 deaths. Khawaja Muhammad Asif stated that Pakistan‘s armed forces are prepared and have increased vigilance due to the perceived imminent threat.

“We have reinforced our forces because it is something which is imminent now. So, in that situation, some strategic decisions have to be taken, so those decisions have been taken,” he said.

Over recent days, troops from India and Pakistan have been exchanging gunfire in Kashmir, a region claimed by both countries and historically fraught with conflict between them. This ongoing skirmish has exacerbated already frayed relations, leading to fears of further escalation.

In response to the recent militant activity in Kashmir, Pakistan has elevated its military readiness. Asif emphasized that Pakistan is prepared to resort to nuclear weapons if “a direct threat to our existence” is presented.

The Kashmir attack led to a backlash in India, which attributes continued militancy to Pakistan’s alleged support and funding of extremists in the contested region. These accusations are rejected by Pakistan, which has instead called for a neutral investigation into the recent attack to establish accountability.

Meanwhile, Pakistan reports heavy clashes on its border with Afghanistan, claiming to have eliminated 54 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban as they attempted to enter Pakistani territory.

Image by SyedNaqvi90.

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April 28, 2025
Jack Montgomery
War
World

Aircraft Carrier Loses Fighter Jet at Sea, May Have Been Under Houthi Fire.

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❓What Happened:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost an F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, possibly while evading Houthi fire during a sharp turn.

👥 Who’s Involved: U.S. Navy personnel aboard the USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1, Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, and Houthi forces in Yemen.

📍 Where & When: Red Sea, during operations aboard the USS Harry S. Truman on April 28, 2025.

💬 Key Quote: The U.S. Navy stated, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.”

⚠️ Impact: The incident, potentially linked to Houthi aggression, underscores the risks faced by U.S. naval forces in the region, reinforcing the need for a robust military response to protect American assets.

IN FULL:

The USS Harry S. Truman lost a valuable F/A-18E Super Hornet and a tow tractor overboard in the Red Sea on April 28, 2025, an incident that may have been triggered by evasive action against Houthi fire. The U.S. Navy reported, “The F/A-18E was being towed in the hangar bay when the move crew lost control of the aircraft, resulting in both the Super Hornet and the tow tractor going overboard.” While the Navy has launched an investigation into the mishap, unconfirmed reports suggest the carrier executed a sharp turn to evade Houthi attacks, highlighting the escalating threats faced by American forces in the region.

The F/A-18E belonged to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 136, part of Carrier Air Wing 1 embarked on the USS Harry S. Truman. Quick action by the tow crew ensured all personnel moved clear before the aircraft fell into the sea. All personnel were accounted for, with one sailor sustaining a minor injury. Despite the loss, the Navy emphasized that the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, which includes the flagship USS Harry S. Truman, Carrier Air Wing 1’s nine squadrons, three guided-missile destroyers from Destroyer Squadron 28, and the USS Gettysburg (CG 64), remains fully mission capable.

The potential Houthi involvement in this incident aligns with their recent aggression against U.S. assets in the Red Sea. The Houthis claimed attacks on the USS Harry S. Truman in March 2025, using ballistic missiles and drones, though no damage was reported. The Iran-backed group has also targeted the USS Carl Vinson, with strikes reported earlier in April 2025.

The Houthis have seriously disrupted shipping routes since 2023, claiming solidarity with Palestinians, and their actions have prompted U.S. retaliatory strikes, including operations involving Super Hornets.

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April 28, 2025
War

Putin Declares Temporary Ceasefire in Ukraine.

PULSE POINTS:

❓What Happened: Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a three-day ceasefire in Ukraine next month for “humanitarian reasons.”

👥 Who’s Involved: Vladimir Putin, Donald J. Trump, and Volodymyr Zelensky.

📍 Where & When: Ukraine, a pause in hostilities starting May 8 for 72 hours.

💬 Key Quote: “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently,” President Trump remarked.

⚠️ Impact: Continued uncertainty over the potential effectiveness of the ceasefire and its influence on U.S.-backed truce efforts.

IN FULL:

On April 28, the Kremlin announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has called for a three-day pause in hostilities in Ukraine next month. This decision marks the second instance in two weeks that Russia has promised a temporary cessation of its military operations. The ceasefire is set to begin on May 8 and last for 72 hours, coinciding with the May 9 celebrations in Russia commemorating the Soviet victory over Germany in World War II.

The announcement follows increased international pressure, particularly from U.S. President Donald J. Trump, who has been vocal in his demands for Russia to pause its military activities in Ukraine. In a recent social media post, President Trump emphatically appealed to President Putin to “STOP!” the bombardment.

“Not necessary, and very bad timing. Vladimir, STOP! 5000 soldiers a week are dying. Let’s get the Peace Deal DONE!” President Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

Trump has expressed skepticism about Putin’s intentions towards peace, questioning if the Russian leader is earnestly pursuing a resolution or merely stalling. In discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over the weekend, Trump openly questioned whether Putin genuinely wants to end the hostilities. Writing on Truth, the President speculated, “Maybe he doesn’t want to stop the war, he’s just tapping me along, and has to be dealt with differently, through ‘Banking’ or ‘Secondary Sanctions?'”

Ukraine has not yet publicly responded to the news of the planned ceasefire. Previously, Russia declined to agree to a 30-day unconditional ceasefire, despite Ukraine’s acceptance of such terms. An earlier one-day truce declared by Putin to observe Easter failed to hold, though it reportedly led to a temporary reduction in violence.

Image via Wikimedia Commons.

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