Ukraine’s consent to a 30-day ceasefire proposal has handed the Kremlin a difficult challenge at a time when its military has an upper hand in the war.

President Vladimir Putin is no doubt thinking carefully about whether to accept the ceasefire proposal, reject it, or demand amendments to it. The idea of turning down - or amending - the ceasefire proposal seems to be gaining most traction among commentators.

WHAT IS THE AGREEMENT ABOUT? Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the U.S. proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, the joint statement says.