Comprehensive ceasefire key to sustainable peace

Russia and Ukraine agreeing in principle to a limited ceasefire deal brokered by the United States this week, instead of a comprehensive one, indicates that the two nations still have disagreements to resolve and a sustainable peace may be difficult to achieve, experts said.

US President Donald Trump's suggestion that his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky should consider giving the US control of Ukraine's nuclear power plants to ensure their long-term security shows the Trump administration is prioritizing US interests, the experts said.

On Wednesday, after Trump and Zelensky held a phone conversation for roughly one hour, the White House said in a statement that Zelensky requested additional Patriot missile systems and Trump agreed to "work with him to find what was available, particularly in Europe". This, experts added, also shows Trump's reduced commitment to security in Europe.