Former US President Donald Trump has declared that the ball is in Russia’s court to end the Ukraine conflict, as American representatives departed for Moscow on Wednesday to negotiate a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Today Pakistan News reports on this pivotal moment in global diplomacy, unfolding as of March 12, 2025, amid heightened tensions and international calls for peace.
Speaking from the White House during a meeting with Irish Taoiseach Michéal Martin, Trump emphasized, “It’s up to Russia now,” signaling hope for a breakthrough following Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire terms after talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11. “We have people going to Russia right now as we speak,” he told reporters, noting that US envoy Steve Witkoff and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz are leading the delegation. Trump expressed cautious optimism, adding, “Hopefully, we can get a ceasefire from Russia—that would be 80% of the way to ending this horrible bloodbath.”
The proposal, a cornerstone of Trump’s foreign policy push, comes after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky accepted the 30-day truce, reversing a tense February 28 Oval Office clash with Trump. Kyiv’s shift has been hailed as a diplomatic win, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating, “The ball is truly in Moscow’s court.” However, the Kremlin remains guarded, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying Russia is “studying statements” and awaits a full US briefing before responding.
This development reverberates beyond Europe, with implications for Pakistan, where stability in global hotspots influences trade and security. The Jaffar Express attack in Balochistan on March 11—condemned by the US Embassy—underscores the broader stakes of counterterrorism efforts, a shared concern for Islamabad and Washington. Nawaz Sharif’s concurrent vow that “terrorists cannot undermine Pakistan’s peace” aligns with Trump’s push for regional calm, indirectly bolstering US-Pakistan ties.
Analysts see Trump’s move as a bid to cement his dealmaker legacy, though Russia’s response remains uncertain. President Vladimir Putin has historically rejected short-term truces, demanding long-term security guarantees. “If Russia balks, expect tougher US sanctions,” a source close to the talks told Today Pakistan News. As the delegation lands in Moscow, the world—and Pakistan—watches closely.
