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Ukrainians welcome respite from Russian attacks, Moscow says peace still far off

From Kathmandu Post · (36m ago) English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Ukrainians welcomed a three-day ceasefire brokered by the US, offering a much-needed respite from Russian attacks.
  • The Kremlin stated that a long-term peace deal remains complex and a distant prospect.
  • The ceasefire, intended to facilitate a prisoner swap, comes amid ongoing conflict and stalled peace talks since Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022.

For Ukrainians, the recent three-day ceasefire, brokered by the United States, represents a precious pause in the relentless onslaught of Russian attacks. After years of sleepless nights and constant fear, the prospect of even a few days of peace is a profound relief. As Kateryna Kizev, who fled the frontline city of Kherson, expressed, "At least for a few days we will be able to sleep in peace and without the attacks." This sentiment underscores the deep human cost of the ongoing conflict, where basic needs like uninterrupted sleep have become a luxury.

On the one hand, this is very good because, honestly, the sleepless nights have gotten a bit tiresome.

— Kateryna KizevA Ukrainian refugee expressing relief at the prospect of a ceasefire.

However, this glimmer of hope is tempered by the Kremlin's stark assessment of the situation. Russian officials have made it clear that while they may agree to temporary ceasefires, a comprehensive peace settlement is far from reach. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov described the issue of a Ukrainian settlement as "far too complex, and reaching a peace agreement is a very long way with complex details." This stance highlights the significant chasm between Ukraine's desire for lasting peace and Russia's strategic objectives, which continue to involve territorial claims and a refusal to acknowledge Ukraine's sovereignty.

At least for a few days we will be able to sleep in peace and without the attacks.

— Kateryna KizevA Ukrainian refugee expressing relief at the prospect of a ceasefire.

The ceasefire, which was set to include a suspension of all "kinetic activity" and a prisoner exchange, was arranged as part of US negotiating efforts, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasizing that humanitarian issues remain a key priority for Kyiv. Yet, the history of previous ceasefires has been fraught with accusations of violations from both sides. This fragility means that even during periods of reduced hostilities, the underlying tensions and the potential for renewed escalation remain high. For Ukraine, the fight for survival and sovereignty continues, with each pause in fighting a temporary reprieve rather than a definitive end to the conflict.

But the issue of a Ukrainian settlement is far too complex, and reaching a peace agreement is a very long way with complex details.

— Dmitry PeskovKremlin spokesman commenting on the complexity of achieving a peace deal with Ukraine.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Kathmandu Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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