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U.S. officials have suggested that this ceasefire was largely influenced by a meeting between American representatives and Ukraine in Saudi Arabia. Many observers argue that under Western pressure, Ukraine felt compelled to acquiesce, but also viewed it as a strategic step grounded in the dire circumstances on the ground.
Russia's Rejection and Rhetoric
In an expected turn of events, President Putin quickly dismissed the ceasefire proposal, putting forth several demands that effectively rendered the idea infeasible. Among his concerns were the implications of how the ceasefire would be monitored. He questioned whether Ukraine would use the pause for military mobilization or continued arms acquisition, painting an image of vulnerability that he sought to exploit.