Russia's Stance on Negotiations and Ceasefire in Ukraine

Russian officials, including Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and State Duma representative Leonid Slutsky, have publicly rejected proposals for a ceasefire along the current front line. Russia is instead trying to maintain dialogue with Washington to avoid increased American pressure. Political scientists Ilya Kotov and Vladimir Fesenko believe that Moscow is attempting to drag out negotiations to weaken Western support for Ukraine. Meanwhile, U.S. negotiators Steve Wolff and Jared Kushner are expected to visit Ukraine to discuss peace initiatives, but experts suggest that their mission may face challenges due to Ukraine's strengthened positions and Russia's vulnerability.