Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia is “in favor” of a proposed 30-day ceasefire plan in Ukraine, but he highlighted several concerns that need to be addressed for lasting peace. Speaking at a press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin emphasized the importance of a ceasefire that leads to long-term stability and addresses the root causes of the conflict.
“We agree with the proposals to stop hostilities,” Putin said, “but we proceed from the fact that this cessation should be one that would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis.”
Putin pointed out the challenges of monitoring ceasefire violations along the extensive 2,000-kilometer contact line and expressed worries that Ukraine might use the temporary pause to mobilize troops and receive additional weapons.
Concerns Over Ongoing Clashes
In particular, Putin referenced the situation in Russia’s Kursk region, where Russian forces have been pushing back Ukrainian troops following a surprise cross-border attack in August 2024. On Thursday, Russian forces recaptured the key town of Sudzha in Kursk. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that the operation had entered its final stage.
“As for the situation on the ground… it is changing rapidly,” Putin remarked.
Possible Talks with the United States
Putin mentioned the possibility of contacting U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the ceasefire proposal. “We will negotiate the next steps to end the conflict and reach acceptable agreements based on the situation on the ground,” he said.
The United States and Ukraine had earlier proposed an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” following talks with a U.S. delegation in Jeddah. Their joint statement indicated that the truce could be extended by mutual agreement and emphasized that “Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.”
Reactions from Ukraine and the U.S.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused Putin of “actually preparing a refusal” and condemned his response as “very manipulative.” Zelenskyy asserted that Putin was “framing the idea of a ceasefire with such preconditions that nothing will work out at all, or for as long as possible.”
Meanwhile, President Trump described Putin’s comments as “a very promising statement” but noted that “it wasn’t complete.” He expressed his willingness to engage with Putin, saying, “I’d love to meet with him or talk to him. But we have to get it over with fast.”
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow on Thursday for talks regarding Ukraine. Trump warned that it would be “a very disappointing moment for the world” if Russia rejects the peace plan. “A lot of the details of a final agreement have actually been discussed. Now we’re going to see if Russia is there, and if not, it will be a very disappointing moment for the world,” he added.
