Russia President Putin addresses the U.S.-Ukraine ceasefire proposal, expressing Russia’s support but articulating concerns but with strict terms
*Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy characterized Putin’s remarks as “manipulative.”
Former President Donald Trump stated his desire for Russia to agree to a ceasefire, noting that final details are currently being negotiated.
In his initial public statements regarding the proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin expressed that Russia is “for it,” while seeking specific strict terms security guarantees.
During a press briefing in Moscow on Thursday, Putin raised concerns about the 30-day ceasefire just as Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in the city to discuss the proposal.
“It seems to me that reaching a truce for at least 30 days would be beneficial for the Ukrainian side.
We are supportive of it. However, there is a nuance,” Putin mentioned, pointing to apprehensions about Russia’s Kursk region, which faced a surprise offensive from Ukrainian forces a year ago, but had recently seen Russian forces reclaim substantial territory.“ This is a strict terms that may not be easily accepted
If hostilities cease for 30 days, what does that entail? Will everyone leave without resistance, or will Ukrainian leadership instruct their troops to disarm and surrender?
Putin wants the strict terms he is proposing guaranteed and an evacuation or withdrawal of Ukraine troops on Russia soil.
How will this solution unfold? It remains unclear,” Putin stated, indicating the complexities surrounding the potential ceasefire.
Putin further insisted on the need for guarantees that Ukraine will not regroup its forces during the ceasefire, questioning who would oversee and confirm any violations of the agreement.“
These are all matters that necessitate thorough examination from both sides,” he added.
The Russian leader suggested that discussions with Trump might be necessary to voice his concerns, while also asserting, “The fundamental idea is to conclude this conflict through peaceful means. We endorse it.”
Kicking off his remarks, Putin expressed gratitude to Trump, “for his attention to Ukraine’s settlement.”
“We believe this ceasefire could pave the way for enduring peace and address the root causes of this crisis,” Putin reiterated.
**Further details of the proposal highlight its significance in the hopes of Kyiv and Washington to forge a broader peace accord to conclude Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Witkoff’s arrival in Moscow is “a continuation of our efforts to persuade Russia to agree to a ceasefire and cease its brutal war against Ukraine,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt remarked in a Wednesday briefing.
According to Russian foreign policy aide Yuri Ushakov, Witkoff is set to meet with Putin that evening, but Trump himself will not engage in discussions with Putin on the same day.
Trump characterized the ongoing talks between U.S. and Russian officials as “very serious” in remarks made from the Oval Office.“
Things are progressing in Russia,” he noted, but added that “it doesn’t signify anything until we understand the final outcome.”
“Hopefully, they will make the right decision,” Trump expressed, referring to Russia, and he voiced a desire for Moscow to accept the 30-day ceasefire.
In response to Putin’s earlier comments, Trump stated, “He issued a quite promising statement, yet it felt incomplete.”
Trump described the ceasefire proposal as the “first step” of the broader peace process, mentioning ongoing discussions regarding territorial divisions, including significant energy facilities.U.S. and Ukrainian officials committed to the comprehensive 30-day ceasefire during conversations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia earlier that week.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio indicated that the next move is now squarely on Russia’s shoulders.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy referred to Putin’s sentiments as “very predictable” and “manipulative” in his address later that evening.“
Putin is undoubtedly hesitant to inform President Trump directly of his intention to prolong this war and continue harming Ukrainians.
Therefore, those in Moscow are introducing the idea of silence under such preconditions that it effectively delays any meaningful resolution,” Zelensky pointed out.
“Putin often operates this way—refusing to give a clear ‘no’, but instead, creating barriers that stymie practical decision-making.
We consider this another instance of Russian manipulation.”
Yehor Cherniev, a member of the Ukrainian Parliament representing Zelenskyy’s party, echoed this sentiment, stating that Russia aims to “waste time.”
“They cannot clearly say yes or no. Hence, they’ll likely seek justifications for indecision,” Cherniev remarked to amidst Putin’s comments.
“I suspect they will propose conditions for this ceasefire that are unacceptable to us, thus shifting the responsibility for any delay onto our shoulders.”
Prior to Putin’s statements, Zelenskyy emphasized Ukraine’s willingness for peace, noting that Russia seems intent on “prolonging the war.”
“Regrettably, the world still awaits a substantial response from Russia to the proposals offered,” he commented on social media earlier on Thursday.”
“This starkly illustrates Russia’s intention to extend hostilities and defer peace indefinitely.
We trust that U.S. pressure will be robust enough to compel Russia to conclude this conflict.”
The Kremlin had previously been non-committal regarding the U.S.-Ukrainian proposal. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Russian officials were meticulously reviewing the publicly communicated positions, indicating that Russia “doesn’t want to rush into conclusions” concerning the potential ceasefire.Ushakov, who participated in last month’s negotiations with U.S. representatives in Saudi Arabia, labeled the proposed ceasefire as “a hasty document.”“It requires further development, and our viewpoint must also be factored in,” he conveyed to journalists.
“At this point, only the Ukrainian perspective has been articulated,” Ushakov added, suggesting that a 30-day pause in conflict could enable Ukrainian forces to reinforce.
“We maintain that our objective is a sustainable peaceful resolution, striving for a reconciliation that takes into account our duly acknowledged interests and concerns,” Ushakov declared further.
“At this stage, no one benefits from gestures that pretend to be peace efforts.”
Ushakov recounted that he had conveyed Russia’s stance to national security adviser Mike Waltz, noting their recent conversations:
“I have been in regular contact with Mike Waltz and have updated him on the main outcomes of the discussions with the Ukrainian delegation in Jeddah.”