President Trump's envoy to Russia and Ukraine, retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, stated on Tuesday that Russia's offer for a three-day ceasefire next week is extremely "absurd" and noted that the United States is seeking a longer-term and comprehensive peace agreement. In an interview, he pointed out: "A three-day ceasefire is absurd. What the President wants is a permanent, comprehensive ceasefire—covering sea, air, land, and infrastructure, lasting at least 30 days, and then it can be extended."
Ukrainian President Zelensky also strongly criticized this, calling Putin's ceasefire proposal "another manipulation," and noted that Russia's April 28 attack on civilian targets proves Russia does not wish to end the war against Ukraine. He stated: "This is another manipulation attempt: for some reason, everyone has to wait until May 8 to ceasefire—just to keep Putin's parade quiet. Russia has consistently rejected all proposals and manipulates the world, trying to deceive the United States."
On May 1, Russian President Putin announced a 72-hour ceasefire during the 80th anniversary celebrations of Russia's Victory in the Great Patriotic War, from May 8 to 10, aimed at providing a humanitarian respite for civilians, and hopes for a reciprocal arrangement from Ukraine. The ceasefire will cover the celebration of Russia's Victory Day, and Putin stated that if Ukraine violates the agreement, the Russian military will take "fully effective responses."
At this time, Trump appears increasingly impatient with mediating the war, and he intends to leave the negotiating table, although it is unclear if the White House would suspend intelligence and military support for Ukraine if diplomatic efforts are abandoned. White House spokesperson Leavitt stated that Trump is disappointed with the attitudes of both leaders and hopes to see a comprehensive ceasefire. He emphasized that the leaders of both countries should resolve the crisis through negotiations.
Kellogg attended talks in London on behalf of the United States last week and stated that it is now up to Russia to decide the future of the Russia-Ukraine peace agreement. He revealed that London officials presented a 22-point action list focusing on specific measures to end the war in Ukraine. Kellogg noted: "Ukraine is willing to cooperate, and now it's Russia's turn, it's Putin's turn. We've crossed to this side, and now we need them to come to the other side. I think we're very close."
He also compared the peace talks to a marathon, stating: "The first mile is not the hardest; the hardest is the last mile, and we are in the last mile."
