Ukraine condemns Russia’s ‘Empty Promises of Peace’ amid ongoing attacks

Department of Research, Studies and International News 25-03-2025

Ukraine has strongly criticized Moscow’s latest assertions about seeking peace, following a missile strike that left 88 people injured in Sumy. This attack occurred as U.S. and Russian officials engaged in negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire, a move Washington hopes will be a stepping stone toward a lasting peace agreement.

Among the wounded were 17 children, as the missile targeted residential neighborhoods and schools. Ukrainian authorities believe Russia is leveraging the time before any potential ceasefire to escalate its attacks.

“Each day of this war brings destruction, suffering, and loss, consequences Ukraine never sought,” stated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a nightly address.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, dismissed Russia’s diplomatic overtures, stating: “Instead of making meaningless declarations about peace, Russia should cease bombing our cities and end its aggression against civilians.”

Shortly after Zelenskyy’s statement, Russian media reported that negotiations between U.S. and Russian officials in Saudi Arabia had concluded after 12 hours. These discussions are seen as part of efforts by former U.S. President Donald Trump to broker a limited ceasefire.

Reports suggest a draft joint statement has been submitted to both Washington and Moscow for approval, with an official announcement expected soon. While Ukraine and Russia have tentatively agreed to halt strikes on energy infrastructure for one month, key details remain uncertain, including whether the ceasefire will extend to hospitals, bridges, and other critical facilities.

U.S. delegates met separately with Ukrainian representatives on Sunday, before holding discussions with Russian officials the following day at the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Riyadh. The U.S. is expected to serve as a mediator between both parties to finalize agreements on additional security measures, including safeguarding maritime activity in the Black Sea.

“The ultimate objective is a 30-day ceasefire, creating an opportunity to discuss a permanent peace settlement,” U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff explained in a podcast interview over the weekend.

As ceasefire discussions took place, Trump indicated that Washington and Kyiv are close to signing an agreement allowing the U.S. to share revenue from Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. He also hinted at discussions about potential American ownership stakes in Ukrainian power plants.

Speaking in Washington, Trump outlined key points under negotiation: “We’re discussing territorial issues, demarcation lines, energy concerns, and the ownership of power plants.”

While Ukrainian officials support a minerals trade agreement, Zelenskyy has publicly rejected the notion of allowing U.S. firms to own Ukraine’s power facilities.

Witkoff, Trump’s personal envoy for negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, has faced criticism for his comments regarding Russia’s controversial referendums in occupied Ukrainian regions. He suggested that “a significant majority” of residents in four Ukrainian provinces, Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia, favored joining Russia.

These referendums, widely condemned by Western nations, have been dismissed as illegitimate and part of Russia’s broader strategy to justify its illegal annexation of Ukrainian territory, the largest forced land grab in Europe since World War II.

Witkoff’s remarks, which appeared to align with Kremlin rhetoric, have raised alarm in Kyiv and among European allies. In an interview, he also revealed that Putin had commissioned a portrait of Trump by a Russian artist, which he personally brought back from Moscow.

Furthermore, he claimed that after the assassination attempt on Trump last July, Putin prayed for him in a Russian church, citing their personal friendship rather than political considerations.

“I don’t view Putin as a villain. The conflict in Ukraine is a complex issue with deep historical roots,” Witkoff stated.

Ukraine’s Skepticism Toward Russia’s Intentions

These developments have heightened concerns in Ukraine, with officials warning that some American policymakers may be too willing to accept Russia’s version of events.

Zelenskyy, in a recent interview with Time magazine, expressed concern that Russian influence is shaping perceptions within the U.S. administration.

“I believe Russia has managed to sway certain individuals within the White House,” Zelenskyy noted. “They are portraying Ukraine as unwilling to negotiate, suggesting that external pressure is needed to force us into concessions.”

Moscow and Kyiv remain deeply divided on what terms would constitute an acceptable peace deal. Russia continues to push for conditions that Ukraine and its Western allies find unacceptable, including ending all foreign military aid, restricting Ukraine’s armed forces, and legitimizing Russia’s annexation of occupied territories.

Additionally, the Kremlin has made clear it will oppose any Western military presence in Ukraine, an essential element of Kyiv’s security framework.

Doubts Over Russia’s Commitment to Peace

Despite ongoing negotiations, Ukraine remains wary of any agreement with Russia, citing numerous instances in which Moscow has violated past commitments.

While discussions in Saudi Arabia represent a potential breakthrough, skepticism remains about Russia’s willingness to genuinely pursue peace. With ongoing missile strikes and continued territorial ambitions, many in Ukraine fear that Moscow’s overtures may be little more than a strategic maneuver to buy time and solidify its military gains.