Trump Chases Cease-Fire Fantasies/ Moscow Celebrates Victory

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On May 9, 2025, Russia marked the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, referred to domestically as the Great Patriotic War, with a large parade in Moscow. The event proceeded without any drone strikes, despite Ukraine having launched over 500 drones in the days prior. It’s believed international pressure, possibly from the U.S. and China, discouraged further attacks to avoid a major international incident. Chinese President Xi Jinping attended the parade, sitting beside Vladimir Putin, alongside leaders from over 20 other countries, including some from Europe.

The U.S. response focused on diplomacy. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce reiterated the U.S. position that a 30-day unconditional ceasefire is necessary before meaningful peace talks can begin—something she called a minimal and obvious first step. However, Russia has consistently rejected this, viewing it as a tactic to rearm Ukraine.

Later, Vice President J.D. Vance appeared to take a more flexible stance, saying that while a ceasefire would be ideal, the U.S. might withdraw from mediation efforts if Russia isn't negotiating in good faith. This apparent contradiction between U.S. officials highlighted inconsistency in U.S. messaging and may undermine diplomatic leverage.

The speaker criticized this mixed messaging, suggesting that Russia, currently holding a military advantage, has no incentive to agree to a ceasefire. He argued the U.S. should take a realistic and proactive stance by ending support and urging Ukraine to pursue the best deal possible now to stop further bloodshed. The Russians, he noted, have not changed their stance: they reject temporary ceasefires, which they see as ploys to rearm Ukraine, and instead demand a comprehensive peace.

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