Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine but raised concerns about its implementation.
While acknowledging the idea as “right,” he insisted that several key issues must be resolved before committing to a truce. His remarks suggest that Moscow remains cautious about halting its military operations without clear guarantees.
The ceasefire plan, backed by Ukraine and the US, aims to pause hostilities and create room for further peace talks. However, Putin questioned how the ceasefire would be enforced and whether Ukraine might use the period to regroup and rearm.
“How will those 30 days be used?” he asked. “For Ukraine to mobilize? Rearm? Train people? Or none of that?”
Ukraine, on the other hand, dismissed Putin’s response as an attempt to delay negotiations while keeping military pressure on Kyiv.
President Volodymyr Zelensky accused Putin of setting unrealistic preconditions to stall peace efforts. “Putin doesn’t say no directly, but in practice, he’s preparing a rejection,” Zelensky said.
He called for additional sanctions to pressure Moscow into accepting an immediate truce.
The dispute also raises broader geopolitical concerns, particularly regarding Russia’s Kursk region. Putin referenced a Ukrainian military incursion in the area last year, claiming Russian forces had regained control.
He asserted that Ukrainian troops in Kursk were now surrounded and faced only two choices: “surrender or die.” This claim, if accurate, could further complicate ceasefire negotiations.
Meanwhile, the US has responded by tightening sanctions on Russia’s energy and banking sectors. New restrictions make it harder for other nations to purchase Russian oil using US financial systems. The move is part of Washington’s broader strategy to weaken Russia’s war effort while supporting Ukraine’s position in peace talks.
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Former President Donald Trump, speaking from the White House, expressed hope that Moscow would accept the ceasefire proposal. “We’d like to see a ceasefire from Russia,” he stated.
Trump has previously indicated that he wants the war to end quickly, suggesting that negotiations should focus on territorial agreements and Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations.
Despite international pressure, Russia remains firm on its demand that all aspects of the conflict be addressed in a single, comprehensive deal rather than in stages.
This approach clashes with Ukraine’s preference for an immediate ceasefire followed by further negotiations. The difference in strategies continues to stall meaningful progress.
The Kremlin has also dismissed the US-backed ceasefire proposal. Russian officials argue that any agreement must include guarantees addressing their security concerns, particularly regarding NATO’s presence in Eastern Europe.
Putin’s meeting with US special envoy Steve Witkoff behind closed doors in Moscow suggests ongoing diplomatic maneuvering behind the scenes.
At the same time, Russia released a video showing Putin visiting the Kursk region in military fatigues, a symbolic move aimed at reinforcing his leadership amid the ongoing conflict. Russian officials later announced that they had recaptured the key town of Sudzha, underscoring their military gains.
With both sides holding firm to their demands, the prospect of an immediate ceasefire remains uncertain. Ukraine continues to push for a quick end to hostilities, while Russia insists on a broader agreement before halting its offensive. As negotiations unfold, the risk of further escalation remains a looming possibility.
Reported by BBC
