The Observer view on the proposed Ukraine deal: Kyiv’s allies must not fall into Putin’s trap | Observer editorial

While Donald Trump has no plan beyond halting the gunfire, Russia’s leader does. Peace at any price is no peace at all
A halt to the killing in Ukraine is a highly desirable aim. A permanent end to the war would be a truly wonderful achievement. Who would not welcome an agreement that stopped Russia’s daily slaughter of civilians and its destruction of Ukraine’s cities, and which allowed millions of displaced people to return home? But peace at any price is no peace at all, as history shows and we have repeatedly argued here. In his untutored haste, Donald Trump risks rushing into a bad deal with Vladimir Putin that could set the stage for renewed conflict in Ukraine and other vulnerable countries bordering Russia and for an overall weakening of Europe’s security.
The initial 30-day truce under discussion by US and Russian officials reportedly entails a complete halt to fighting and temporary freezing of the frontlines in eastern Ukraine. It provides for the exchange of prisoners of war, release of civilian detainees and return from Russia of abducted Ukrainian children. The truce could be extended. But Russia’s president is adamant that, before it even begins, many complex, longer-term issues must be addressed, including the most fundamental: Ukraine’s future as an independent, sovereign state.
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Russia hedges on U.S. truce proposal for Ukraine as it presses its gains
The Trump administration appears to be back in Ukraine's corner, but it's unclear if Putin, while enjoying battlefield victories, can be convinced to halt his assault.CBS News - 3d -
Ukraine Must Cede Territory in Any Peace Deal, Rubio Says
The secretary of state, heading to talks with Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, said future talks with Moscow will be needed to determine what Russia is willing to give up to end the war.The New York Times - 5d -
Trump claims Putin will be more 'generous' in peace talks than 'difficult' Ukraine
Even though President Donald Trump threatened Russia with sanctions, he claimed President Vladamir Putin is more "generous" when it comes to ending the war.ABC News - Mar. 7 -
Putin says any Ukraine ceasefire should ‘lead to long-term peace’
Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in principle with U.S. ceasefire proposals, but said there were details that needed to be worked out, perhaps in a phone call with president Trump.NBC News - 2d -
The Guardian view on Trump and Ukraine: respite is possible, but resolution looks distant | Editorial
Will-they-won’t-they over a ceasefire does not change the underlying dynamics of US retreat from supporting Kyiv . A three-year conflict has taken bewildering, lurching turns in under a fortnight. ...The Guardian - 2d -
Can Ukraine and Russia reach a lasting peace?
Kyiv has backed a temporary truce, but tough questions would need resolving in any final agreementFinancial Times - 3d -
Does Putin really want a ceasefire with Ukraine?
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he agrees in principle to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but cautioned the terms still need to be worked out and emphasized any truce should pave ...CBS News - 1d -
Starmer tells global leaders to 'keep the pressure' on Putin over ceasefire in Ukraine
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has told allies to “keep the pressure” on Russian President Vladimir Putin to back a ceasefire in Ukraine, hailing Ukraine as the “party of peace.”NBC News - 17h -
Starmer says Putin must prove he is 'serious about peace' and sign up to Ukraine ceasefire
Starmer says Putin must prove he is 'serious about peace' and sign up to Ukraine ceasefireABC News - 17h
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