The world is closely watching Russia as Ukraine has accepted a 30-day ceasefire proposal by the United States. However, up until now, Vladimir Putin has not responded to this Western proposal. Previously, he has stated that he would only consider peace under his own terms.

President Donald Trump has hinted that he is ready to impose new financial sanctions if Moscow refuses the ceasefire. Meanwhile, in Paris, the French Defense Minister has announced that 15 nations have expressed willingness to deploy peacekeeping troops in Ukraine once the conflict ends.

American officials maintain that the ball is now in Russia’s court after Ukraine agreed to the 30-day ceasefire as the first step towards peace negotiations.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio noted, “If Russia’s answer is “no,” it would be incredibly regrettable and would make their intentions clear.”

U.S. President Donald Trump further stated, “I can do things, financially, that would be very unpleasant for Russia. It would be devastating for Russia.”

Ukraine is hopeful that the ceasefire will provide the necessary pause for establishing lasting peace.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed, “We have our proposals, but we need to formalize agreed steps with our allies, the agreed steps, and certain security guarantees that will be in place in Ukraine after this war ends.”

In the meantime, American shipments of equipment and crucial information exchanges with Ukraine have resumed. This is seen as the sole benefit for Kiev, according to Trump’s former national security advisor, John Bolton.

Ambassador John Bolton commented, “Frankly, I don’t believe a ceasefire is in Ukraine’s interest. If you freeze the conflict along the existing front lines and begin endless negotiations in Geneva or Vienna or a neutral capital, the ceasefire line might become a new de facto border between Ukraine and Russia, thus giving Russia 20% of Ukraine’s territory.”

Vladimir Putin has repeatedly stated that he will not accept a pause on the front, viewing it as merely beneficial for Ukraine and its Western allies, allowing them to replenish their arsenals.

The Kremlin’s spokesperson has thus far refrained from commenting on the decisions made at Jeddah.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitri Peskov said, “We are meticulously studying the statements made after the U.S.-Ukraine meeting and examining the joint declaration text adopted at Jeddah.”

Within the lower ranks of the Kremlin regime, and among Putin’s loyal propagandists, many voices have rejected the idea of a ceasefire before Ukraine is subdued.

CNN correspondent Clarissa Ward noted, “In essence, the Kremlin is now trying to buy time. (Putin) was on television last week saying he desires a peace that suits him.”

The head of Russian diplomacy has stated that Moscow will not accept compromises that endanger Russian lives, such as NATO troops in Ukraine.

Sam Greene, Director at the Center for European Policy Analysis, observed, “The Kremlin has made it clear they are not interested in a ceasefire. This doesn’t mean they are not interested at all, but it means they are unlikely to agree to a ceasefire without obtaining various concessions along the way.”

The relationship between Trump and Putin continues to be pivotal for any potential peace agreement.

Ambassador John Bolton remarked, “(Trump) doesn’t engage in philosophy, grand strategies, or even real politics. He believes that if he has good relations with Vladimir Putin, then the U.S. has good relations with Russia, which is not true. I think Putin, a former KGB agent, sees Trump as an easy target and has manipulated him successfully since the elections.”

At Jeddah, officials from Washington and Kiev agreed to involve European partners in the peace process.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained, “Like any country in the world, Ukraine wants long-term security and to ensure that this war is not repeated. Therefore, acquiring sufficient deterrent capability against future aggression is the stake.”

In line with this, a meeting was held in Paris among defense ministers from France, Germany, Italy, Poland, and the United Kingdom. The officials discussed continued support for Ukraine and strengthening Europe’s defense industry. According to the French Defense Minister, 15 nations stand ready to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine.