The US Department of State reiterated on April 15-16, 2025, that the United States continues to push for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine before any negotiations, decisions, or arrangements can take place.
Tammy Bruce, the spokesperson, emphasized that until the “carnage has stopped,” sanctions and bilateral agreements with Russia would not be loosened, highlighting the fact that the war is still a “meat grinder” with no improvement in the situation on the ground.
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Bruce also highlighted the need to question who is genuinely committed to peace and a ceasefire, especially after recent deadly strikes such as the missile attack on Sumy during Palm Sunday. Despite this, the US continues to work toward achieving a ceasefire.
This position comes in the wake of previous diplomatic initiatives, such as the meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and former President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Saint Petersburg. Witkoff said that Russia could have an interest to stop the war, possibly through economic ties with the United States, and the White House characterized the discussions as fruitful.
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White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized that any consideration of such partnerships or agreements must be preceded by a ceasefire. Following Wi, President Trump also stated his opinion that Russia wishes to stop the conflict.
Russia continues to seek significant territorial concessions, regime change in Ukraine, and acknowledgment of Russia’s annexation of four Ukrainian oblasts (Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson) as part of any peace deal, despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Russian authorities have rejected ideas like a 30-day complete ceasefire and have reaffirmed that these criteria are non-negotiable, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russia has not made any major concessions and has continued its military operations, including recent deadly attacks, despite the absence of proof to support its accusations that Ukraine violated interim ceasefires.
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Russian authorities have rejected ideas like a 30-day complete ceasefire and have reaffirmed that these criteria are non-negotiable, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov. Russia has not made any major concessions and has continued its military operations, including recent deadly attacks, despite the absence of proof to support its accusations that Ukraine violated interim ceasefires.
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In conclusion, despite complicated and unyielding Russian demands and the continued violence on the ground, the US government continues to firmly assert that no talks or sanctions removal will take place until a ceasefire is established. Despite recent negotiations, there is still much doubt about Russia’s commitment to peace, and the situation is still precarious.
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