Ukraine Ceasefire Stalls as Russia Demands Preconditions

Diplomatic efforts falter with ongoing military strikes, while new talks between U.S. and Russian officials may emerge soon.

Russia maintains that unresolved issues, including Kyiv's inability to control extremist groups, prevent a comprehensive ceasefire agreement.
French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Russia to accept an unconditional ceasefire, calling their current stance a delaying tactic.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has criticized Moscow for rejecting peace proposals and expressed frustration over the lack of a U.S. response to the impasse.
Limited agreements, such as a Black Sea truce, have been undermined by mutual accusations of violations and continued military escalation.
There are indications of potential new diplomatic contacts between U.S. and Russian officials, though their nature and impact remain uncertain.