Putin Signals Support for Ukraine Ceasefire While Demanding Lasting Solution

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine during a Thursday press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Putin acknowledged the proposal’s merit but emphasized several critical caveats. “We concur with the suggestion for a ceasefire to halt hostilities,” Putin stated.

“Yet this ceasefire must pave the way for sustainable peace and address the fundamental issues behind this crisis.” The Russian leader thanked US President Donald Trump for his significant focus on achieving a settlement between the warring nations.

Putin’s remarks came as American envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow to discuss the ceasefire terms. Ukraine agreed to the US proposal earlier this week during talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

The deal includes provisions for stopping missile and drone attacks along the entire front line and across the Black Sea. Humanitarian measures like prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children transferred to Russia also feature in the agreement.

The US immediately restored military assistance and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following their acceptance of the plan. Trump warned Russia about potential financial consequences should Putin reject the proposal outright.

Russia’s Stance on Ceasefire and Negotiations

Putin’s top foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov struck a more dismissive tone in Russian state media. Ushakov characterized the ceasefire as merely a “breather” for Ukrainian forces, emphasizing Moscow’s desire for comprehensive peace negotiations on its terms.

Russia maintains several hardline conditions for any lasting agreement. These include Ukraine abandoning NATO aspirations, recognizing Russia’s claimed sovereignty over occupied territories, and accepting limitations on its military capabilities.

Russian forces currently control approximately one-fifth of Ukrainian territory. Putin recently visited Kursk region in military uniform, signaling confidence as Russian troops regain areas lost during Ukraine’s surprise offensive last summer.

Any final agreement faces significant hurdles. European leaders support the temporary ceasefire but share Ukrainian President Zelenskyy’s concerns about Russia’s history of violating such agreements. Tensions remain high as both sides continue military operations while diplomatic efforts unfold.