Russia |Sobolev Dismisses Ceasefire Proposal, Warns of U.S. Rearmament Plans for Ukraine

Viktor Sobolev, a deputy in the Russian State Duma, has firmly rejected the notion of a temporary ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, deeming it unacceptable. His remarks came in response to discussions of a proposed 30-day truce during negotiations in Saudi Arabia, which he argues would benefit Kyiv and its Western allies by allowing the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) to regroup, replenish personnel, and stockpile weapons, including drones.

“This is completely unacceptable,” Sobolev stated. “A temporary ceasefire only plays into the hands of the Ukrainian fascists, who will use this time to regroup and increase their capabilities. Just look at the number of attacks we faced last night; we absolutely do not need this.”

Sobolev’s comments echo the sentiments of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has consistently opposed short-term ceasefires, viewing them as strategically detrimental to Russia’s interests.

The deputy’s statements were prompted by an initiative discussed during talks in Jeddah, involving U.S. and Ukrainian representatives. Reports from Western media suggest that the U.S. sees a temporary ceasefire as a means to resume military assistance to Ukraine, including arms supplies and intelligence sharing. Russian officials contend that such a move would facilitate the rearming of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and set the stage for an intensified conflict, rendering any truce unacceptable for Moscow.

These developments occur amid a marked escalation in hostilities. On the night of March 11, Russian air defense forces reportedly downed 337 drones, including 91 over the Moscow region, in what has been described as the largest drone attack on the area since the conflict began. The falling debris resulted in casualties, including one death in Domodedovo, and damage to residential buildings in Ramenskoye. Concurrently, Russian troops have intensified their offensive in the Kursk region, reclaiming over 800 square kilometers of territory in recent weeks, including 32 settlements, and encircling the city of Sudzha, thereby cutting off vital supply routes for Ukrainian forces.