Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine but raised significant concerns about its implementation. Speaking at a press conference in Moscow on Thursday, Putin stated, “The idea is right – and we support it – but there are questions that we need to discuss.”
Ukraine had earlier agreed to the ceasefire proposal after discussions with the United States. However, Putin insisted that a truce should lead to “an enduring peace and remove the root causes of this crisis.” He questioned how the 30-day period would be utilized, raising fears that Ukraine might use the pause to rearm and mobilize forces.
One of Putin’s key points of contention is Ukraine’s past incursion into Russia’s Kursk region, where he claimed Ukrainian troops had been isolated, leaving them with the options of “surrender or die.” He argued that oversight of the ceasefire remains unclear, asking, “Who will give the order to end the fighting? At what cost? Who decides who has broken any possible ceasefire?”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin’s remarks as “manipulative” and accused the Russian leader of setting unrealistic preconditions. “Putin, of course, is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war,” Zelensky said in his nightly address. He accused Russia of playing for time while continuing to pursue its broader objectives, including concerns over NATO expansion and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
The diverging views highlight the fundamental gap between the two sides. Ukraine favors a two-stage process: a temporary ceasefire followed by long-term negotiations. Russia, however, insists that all issues must be settled in a single comprehensive agreement.
Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has positioned himself as a potential mediator. Speaking from the White House, he expressed hope that Russia would “do the right thing” and agree to the truce. He revealed that discussions with Ukraine have included territorial considerations and broader peace terms.
As diplomatic efforts continue, fresh U.S. sanctions on Russia’s oil and gas sectors have further complicated negotiations. While the international community watches closely, a clear path to peace remains elusive as both sides dig into their respective positions.
