Featured Image Credit: Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Topics: India, Donald Trump, Russia, Ukraine, World News
Joe Yates
Topics: India, Donald Trump, Russia, Ukraine, World News
An agreement has been reached for a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, as tensions bubbled over following a 'terrorist attack'.
On April 22, armed militants carried out the massacre in northern India, more specifically at the picturesque Baisaran meadow in Pahalgam, Kashmir - a region which has long been disputed by the two nations over who owns the territory since Pakistan separated from India in 1947.
India accused Pakistan of backing the attack, however, Pakistan denied any involvement, Sky News reports. However, since then, both nations have been locked in war with artillery and drone strikes being exchanged - with the targets primarily being military bases.
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Now, 18 days after the attack, which Kashmir Resistance - known officially as The Resistance Front (TRF) - claimed responsibility for, Pakistan and India have agreed to an immediate ceasefire after dozens have died.
So, where does President Donald Trump slot into all of this?
Well, Secretary of State Marco Rubio was charged with helping broker the ceasefire to prevent further fatalities which is exactly what the Trump administration tasked him with in Eastern Europe.
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Taking to Truth Social to reveal that a ceasefire had been agreed - before even India or Pakistan had, the 78-year-old president wrote: "After a long night of talks mediated by the United States, I am pleased to announce that India and Pakistan have agreed to a FULL AND IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE."
He then appeared to take a subtle swipe at Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, writing: "Congratulations to both Countries on using Common Sense and Great Intelligence. Thank you for your attention to this matter!"
Deputy Prime Minister of Pakistan, Ishaq Dar, later confirmed the ceasefire, telling media: "Pakistan has always strived for peace and security in the region, without compromising on its sovereignty and territorial integrity."
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Meanwhile, India's Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, said the country had agreed to 'stop all firing and military action on land, air and sea'.
Late last month, Russia declared a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine from 8 to 11 May, amid the nation's Victory Day celebrations led by Putin.
The Russian leader previously said the Kremlin would be issuing an appropriate response to any 'violations' if Ukraine doesn't follow the ceasefire.
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Ukraine rejected the ceasefire as a 'theatrical show', with the country's military saying thousands of attacks have taken place in Ukraine since the ceasefire came into force on Thursday (May 8).
In an address published on his Twitter page overnight, President Zelenskyy said: "Ukraine is ready for a full ceasefire starting right now, from this very moment - a 30-day silence.
"But it must be real. No missile or drone strikes, no hundreds of assaults on the front. The Russians must respond appropriately - by supporting the ceasefire. They must prove their willingness to end the war.
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"This isn’t the first time, we are offering this once again. Thirty days that could become the beginning of years of peace. A ceasefire, lasting and reliable, will be a real indicator of movement toward peace."