Russian President Vladimir Putin has given a vague and conditional response to US President Donald Trump’s ceasefire proposal, expressing support in principle while adding demands that all but ensure a deadlock. Officials in Kyiv hope his hesitation will reinforce their argument to American counterparts that the Kremlin has no real interest in ending the war. Ukrainians, who see Russia’s motives more clearly, believe Putin is not merely seeking territorial gains but is waging a war against Ukraine’s very existence as a sovereign state and nation. This grim reality renders any notion of a compromise peace meaningless, as there can...