- Russian President Vladimir Putin said he supports the US ceasefire proposal but wants key issues addressed.
- He questioned Ukraine’s intentions, asking whether a ceasefire would allow Kyiv to rearm and mobilize more troops.
- Putin hinted at a possible phone call with Donald Trump to discuss the peace process further.
Is Russia Really Ready for Peace?
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his agreement with a US-backed ceasefire proposal but insists that several crucial issues need to be resolved first. Speaking at a press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin said that while Russia is open to a ceasefire, it must lead to long-term peace and address the root causes of the conflict with Ukraine.
The proposal, backed by the US, has already been accepted by Kyiv for a 30-day ceasefire across the entire frontline. However, Putin raised concerns about what exactly the ceasefire would mean. He pointed to a recent Ukrainian operation in Russia’s Kursk region and questioned whether those involved would surrender or be allowed to leave.
Putin also suggested that a ceasefire could give Ukraine time to strengthen its forces while Russian troops are advancing. He asked who would monitor the ceasefire and determine violations along the vast 2,000-kilometer contact line.
What’s Next? A Call with Trump?
Despite his concerns, Putin emphasized that Russia supports the idea of ending the war through peaceful negotiations. He suggested that further discussions with American officials are necessary and hinted at a possible phone call with former US President Donald Trump to discuss the situation.
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia for not giving a clear response to the ceasefire plan. He accused Moscow of trying to prolong the war rather than seeking peace.
In a separate development, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced that its forces had regained control of Sudzha, the largest town in the Kursk region, which had been briefly occupied by Ukrainian forces.
With both sides expressing doubts and conditions, the road to an actual ceasefire remains uncertain. Will the US be able to push Moscow into accepting the deal, or is this just another round of strategic talks with no real breakthrough?
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