Putin Open to Ukraine Ceasefire but Sets Conditions

Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed willingness to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, but outlined several conditions that he believes must be addressed before peace can be achieved.

Speaking at a press conference at the Kremlin alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged that he agreed in principle with the US proposals to halt the fighting in Ukraine. However, he emphasized the need to resolve the "root causes of the conflict" before moving forward.

“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said on Thursday. Yet, he pointed out specific concerns, including Ukraine’s military capabilities during the proposed ceasefire period. 

According to Putin, Ukraine should not be allowed to rearm or mobilize, and all Western military aid to Kyiv should be suspended during the 30-day truce.

One of the main points of contention is the Russia’s western Kursk region, which was attacked by Ukrainian forces last August. Putin claimed that Russian troops had regained full control of Kursk and trapped the remaining Ukrainian forces in the region.

“If we stop hostilities for 30 days, what does that mean? That everyone who is there will leave without a fight? Should we let them out of there after they have committed a lot of crimes against civilians? Or will the Ukrainian leadership give them the order to lay down their arms and just surrender? It is not clear,” he stated.

Ukraine, on the other hand, denied the allegations of crimes and insisted that it follows humanitarian law while avoiding civilian targets.

Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that its forces continue to push forward, capturing three more settlements, including Sudzha. The small town, located near the Ukrainian border, was a key resupply route for Kyiv’s forces.

Videos shared by Russian media showed widespread destruction in Sudzha, with burnt-out vehicles, collapsed buildings, and debris covering the streets after months of fighting.

Putin also questioned how the ceasefire will be enforced. He noted that control and verification mechanisms along the 2,000-kilometer front line must be carefully considered to avoid violations.

This statement from the Kremlin comes after Ukraine expressed its readiness to implement a 30-day ceasefire at the recent talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio also announced that Washington would formally present a ceasefire proposal to Moscow, hoping for a positive response.

Despite these developments, Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s foreign policy advisor, emphasized that Moscow is more interested in a long-term settlement rather than a temporary truce.