Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame Over Ceasefire Breach After Witkoff Visit/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Russia and Ukraine are accusing each other of violating a U.S.-brokered ceasefire deal aimed at pausing strikes on energy infrastructure. Tensions flared during a diplomatic forum in Turkey, just after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The conflicting allegations highlight the fragility of peace efforts in the ongoing war.
Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Breakdown: Quick Looks
- Ceasefire deal brokered by U.S. sees alleged violations
- Russia and Ukraine clash at Turkey’s Antalya Diplomacy Forum
- Lavrov claims Ukraine broke ceasefire dozens of times
- Ukraine accuses Russia of massive civilian-targeted attacks
- U.S. and Turkey briefed on alleged violations
- New peace proposal blocked by Russian demands
- Black Sea shipping deal hindered by insurance, payment issues
- Trump calls war “terrible and senseless” on social media
Russia, Ukraine Trade Blame Over Ceasefire Breach After Witkoff Visit
Deep Look
Efforts to ease the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war hit a major roadblock Saturday as both nations accused each other of violating a U.S.-mediated agreement to halt strikes on key infrastructure. The renewed tensions surfaced at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, just one day after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff held high-level discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
The forum became a stage for each side to double down on blame. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov claimed that Ukraine never honored the limited ceasefire in the first place, asserting that Ukrainian forces have launched attacks “almost every day” since the deal was announced. Lavrov said Moscow had logged more than 60 breaches by Kyiv and had shared this intelligence with the U.S., Turkey, and other international organizations.
Lavrov firmly stated that Russia has complied with the truce, which was agreed in principle last month after separate negotiations with U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia. However, the ceasefire lacked clarity, with both parties disagreeing on the exact timing of its commencement and quickly accusing each other of violations.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha rejected Lavrov’s version of events. He said that since the agreement, Russia had launched close to 70 missiles, deployed over 2,200 explosive drones, and dropped more than 6,000 guided bombs—most targeting civilian infrastructure.
“This clearly shows to the world who wants peace and who wants war,” Sybiha stated, challenging Russia’s narrative and pushing back against any suggestion that Kyiv was undermining peace efforts.
The sharp exchanges between Lavrov and Sybiha show just how unstable and fragile the U.S.-brokered ceasefire remains. While Ukraine continues to back a broader American-led peace plan, Russia has delayed serious engagement by placing extensive demands on any agreement.
In the background of these accusations lies an evolving military reality: Russia currently holds a tactical advantage in Ukraine, and Kyiv has repeatedly warned of an imminent spring offensive. Ukrainian officials argue that Russia is using the ceasefire period to regroup and strengthen its position ahead of renewed fighting.
International allies, particularly European nations, have recently pledged billions in aid to help Ukraine sustain its defense efforts.
These commitments came just as U.S. President Donald Trump weighed in, posting on social media that the war is “terrible and senseless,” and urging Russia to advance peace talks.
A key component of the U.S. and international mediation efforts involves restoring safe passage for commercial vessels in the Black Sea. Lavrov commented on that initiative Saturday, stating that a proposed agreement for secure Black Sea navigation—also discussed during Saudi talks—could not move forward unless Russia regained access to shipping insurance, foreign ports, and international financial systems.
Though official details of the proposed maritime agreement have not been disclosed, it echoes a prior arrangement reached in 2022 between Ukraine and Russia, brokered by the U.N. and Turkey, which collapsed in 2023 when Moscow withdrew.
For now, the mutual accusations and persistent military activity paint a grim picture of the road to peace. The U.S., Turkey, and European nations continue to push for progress, but entrenched hostilities, shifting battlefield dynamics, and a lack of trust may leave any substantial breakthrough out of reach.
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