Kyiv: Diplomatic tensions over the Russia-Ukraine war have escalated as global leaders take divergent positions on a potential ceasefire and future security arrangements.

Ukraine has refused to lay down arms without strong security guarantees from the United States and Europe, fearing renewed Russian aggression. President Volodymyr Zelensky has called for foreign peacekeepers and maritime and air defense support, while rejecting Russia’s claim over occupied Ukrainian territories.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has pushed for a ceasefire but has declined to provide security assurances to Ukraine. He has also suggested Ukraine repay US aid and indicated that a leadership change in Kyiv might be necessary for a peace deal.

In contrast, European leaders have reaffirmed support for Kyiv, pledging to increase defense spending and proposing a one-month truce with protection for air, sea, and energy infrastructure. The UK and France have also expressed willingness to deploy peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

Russia has demanded Ukraine cede four occupied regions and abandon its NATO aspirations, while engaging in back-channel diplomacy with the US. High-level Russia-US talks have taken place in Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with preparations underway for a Trump-Putin summit.

A special European summit on Ukraine is scheduled for March 6, where further discussions on security and peace negotiations will take place. The evolving situation underscores the shifting dynamics in global geopolitics as world powers seek to shape the outcome of the war.