A ceasefire is a temporary suspension of fighting, typically to allow for negotiations. In the context of the Russia-Ukraine war, calls for a ceasefire have been controversial, with some seeing it as a way to de-escalate the conflict and others viewing it as a concession to Russia. Peter Mandelson's recent comments have sparked debate about the UK's stance on the conflict. - Lord Peter Mandelson, the UK ambassador to the US, stated that Ukraine should commit to a ceasefire before Russia, supporting a peace initiative proposed by Donald Trump. - Defence minister Luke Pollard publicly disagreed with Mandelson's statement, clarifying that it does not represent the official policy of the UK government. - Mandelson's comments were made during an interview with an American outlet, where he suggested Volodymyr Zelensky should give 'unequivocal backing' to Trump's peace initiative. - The suggestion that Ukraine should commit to a ceasefire before Russia has been met with criticism, raising questions about the UK's approach to the conflict.