What does ceasefire mean? Meaning of term used during conflict - will Ukraine and Russia enter period of peace

The world has watched in horror as the Russian invasion of Ukraine continues.

While images of tanks, air strikes and troops moving into the country has shocked the international community, there was cause for cautious hope as the two country agreed to sit down in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

But how likely is a deal to be reached, and will the two countries agree to a ceasefire?

What is a ceasefire?

The definition of a ceasefire is quite literal - it means that a temporary truce or stoppage, or a ceasing of firing weapons.

The term usually covers only a temporary pause in conflict, with an armistice is used when a permanent truce has been made.

A ceasefire can be called informally between parties or as part of a formal treaty.

What has been said between Ukraine and Russia so far?

Many will be hoping for a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine after reports of citizen and military deaths.

The UN has confirmed that 102 civilian death have been officially recorded since the invasion began on 24 February.

Russian and Ukrainian negotiators met on Monday 28 February as the invasion entered its fifth day.

Representatives from the two nations met on the Belarusian border as they attempted to de-escalate the situation in Ukraine.

Expectations for the meeting were low, with experts believing that a ceasefire was not likely.

Ukraine has said that they have insisted on a ceasefire and removal of Russian troops, but Russia’s demands have not been officially confirmed.

However, it is believed that President Vladimir Putin is only willing to agree to a ceasefire if Russia “legitimate security interests are unconditionally taken into account.”

Will peace be met between Ukraine and Russia?

After round one of talks, the two sides were unable to meet a resolution.

However, Ukrainian and Russian negotiators are due to meet to discuss for a second round of talks in the coming days.

President Putin’s demands may be too strong for Ukraine to back down.

The leader is asking that Ukraine recognises Russian sovereignty over Crimea (which it annexed in 2014), “demilitarisation and denazification” of Ukraine and a confirmation that Ukraine will become a neutral state.

While Ukraine was previously open to the idea of neutrality, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is unlikely to appeal to these demands as they are tabled amid the violent Russian invasion.

While experts remain pessimistic over a ceasefire on these terms, The Kremlin said that Russia continues to be “open to negotiations with Ukraine and expects that they will lead to the desired results.”

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