Waffenruhe

Waffenruhe is a German term meaning a ceasefire or truce, a negotiated halt of hostilities between conflicting parties. It is typically temporary and selective, not necessarily ending a war. The term is used in German-language diplomacy and media to describe arrangements that pause fighting to allow negotiations, humanitarian aid, or de-escalation.

Ceasefires can be unconditional or subject to terms, may be general or limited to certain fronts or time periods, and often include provisions such as disengagement of forces, withdrawal of troops, buffer zones, and pauses in specific activities like air or artillery fire. Implementation depends on monitoring and verification by third parties, such as neutral states, international organizations, or humanitarian actors.

Waffenruhe is distinguished from Waffenstillstand (armistice) and from a final peace treaty. A Waffenruhe typically aims to create space for dialogue and relief, but may be violated by one side, leading to resumption of fighting. Compliance can be verified by observers, monitors, or peacekeeping forces.

In modern conflicts, ceasefires are often part of broader peace processes and can be supported by international law, United Nations resolutions, and humanitarian law under the Geneva Conventions. Their success depends on credible commitment, enforcement mechanisms, and addressing underlying causes of conflict.