U.S. Expects Russian Ceasefire Proposal as Zelensky Warns of Stalling Tactics
WASHINGTON, May 21 — U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Tuesday that the United States expects Russia to unveil a proposal for a Ukraine ceasefire within days, a move that could signal Moscow’s intentions as the war continues into its third year. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Russia of using diplomacy as a delaying tactic to advance its military agenda.
During a press briefing, Rubio stated that he expects a Russian ceasefire outline to be presented “maybe in a number of days, hopefully this week.” The proposal, he noted, would offer insight into whether the Kremlin is serious about ending the war or merely buying time.
“If it’s a term sheet that’s realistic and you can work off of it, that’s one thing,” Rubio said. “If it makes demands that we know are unrealistic, I think that will be indicative.”
The comments come after rare direct talks between Russian and Ukrainian officials in Istanbul last Friday — their first in three years — and follow separate calls by President Donald Trump to both Zelensky and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
While Kyiv and its Western allies have repeatedly called for a 30-day truce, Putin has rejected such proposals. However, following his call with Trump, Putin said he was prepared to work on a “memorandum” that would serve as a roadmap for further negotiations. Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni also revealed that Pope Leo XIV has offered to host future discussions at the Vatican.
Despite diplomatic overtures, skepticism remains high. Zelensky posted on social media that Russia’s goal is to “buy time to continue its war and occupation.” Many in Kyiv share this view.
“It is obvious that Russia is trying to buy time,” Zelenskyy wrote.
Jeanne Shaheen, the top Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, echoed that sentiment, noting that Putin’s refusal to travel to Istanbul suggests he prefers prolonging the conflict.
Meanwhile, the European Union on Tuesday approved its 17th round of sanctions against Moscow, this time targeting 200 vessels in Russia’s so-called “shadow maritime fleet.” The move drew criticism from Kirill Dmitriev, head of Russia’s Direct Investment Fund and a key economic negotiator, who accused Western leaders of undermining U.S.-Russia dialogue.
Rubio responded to concerns from lawmakers by asserting that Trump had made no concessions to Putin, although he acknowledged that Trump currently opposes further sanctions, fearing they could derail talks.
“Trump has ended the West’s isolation of the Kremlin, but there’s no indication Moscow has shown any new flexibility,” Rubio said.
Analysts remain wary. Konstantin Kalachev, a Russian political observer, said the proposed memorandum allows Russia to continue military operations even while appearing to engage diplomatically.
In Ukraine, ordinary citizens voiced frustration and distrust. “I never had any faith in him, and now I have none at all,” said retired teacher Victoria Kyseliova, referring to Trump. Another Kyiv resident, engineer Vitaliy, said Trump was no “messiah” and that his diplomacy had yielded little.
Ukrainian political analyst Volodymyr Fesenko said Trump’s latest outreach only deepened the confusion surrounding the peace process. “This conversation not only failed to clarify the future of the negotiations but further confused the situation,” he said, adding that Putin is using talks as a smokescreen to continue his offensive.
On the streets of Moscow, confidence remains high among supporters of the war effort. “We will win anyway,” said Marina, a 70-year-old former engineer.
Since invading Ukraine in February 2022, Russia has devastated the country’s east, killed tens of thousands, and now occupies approximately one-fifth of its territory. As the world awaits Russia’s next move, the path to peace remains as uncertain as ever.