Putin Seeks Ceasefire to Solidify Russian Gains in Ukraine

Vladimir Putin is reportedly ready to halt the war in Ukraine with a ceasefire that recognizes current battlefield lines, leaving Russia in control of significant parts of four Ukrainian regions. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has ruled out any ceasefire, fearing it would benefit Russia. Both leaders rejected a temporary ceasefire proposal by French President Emmanuel Macron. The US and much of the West remain skeptical of Russia's intentions for serious peace negotiations.