Putin weighs ceasefire doubts as US envoy pushes for peace
Vladimir Putin expressed serious doubts about the sense of a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he thanked the US President for initiating the matter and did not rule out talks with Donald Trump on the subject.
What do you need to know?
- Vladimir Putin thanked Donald Trump for negotiations on the Ukraine war - during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.
- Russia is for a ceasefire, but there are certain nuances - Putin stated, referring to the situation in the Kursk region, which he claims is already under full Russian control.
- The US President's Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow - his mission is to convince Putin to agree to a ceasefire.
What does Putin say about the ceasefire plan in Ukraine?
During a joint press conference with Alexander Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin expressed his doubts about the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. - Russia is for a ceasefire, but there are certain nuances - emphasised the Russian president, referring to the situation in the Kursk region, which he claims is already under full Russian control.
Putin emphasised that halting military activities for 30 days could be beneficial for the authorities in Kyiv. - If we halt our military activities for 30 days, what does it mean? It means that (Ukrainians - ed.) can use this time to regroup, train new units, and deliver supplies to the front - added the Russian president.
What are the next steps in the negotiations?
Despite doubts, Putin did not rule out talks with US President Donald Trump about the details of the ceasefire proposal. - The idea itself is valid and we support it. But there are questions that need to be discussed and I think we need to discuss this with our American partners - stated Putin.
During Tuesday’s Ukrainian-American talks in Jeddah, Ukraine agreed to the ceasefire proposal, which would cover activities in the air, on the water, and along the entire frontline. On Thursday, the US President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow with the goal of convincing Putin to accept the ceasefire.
Putin expressed concerns that a ceasefire could give Ukraine time to regroup forces and prepare new units for combat. - How will we resolve other issues along the entire frontline, which is about 1,000 kilometres (approx. 620 miles)? As is known, Russian troops are now on the offensive in almost all areas and are creating conditions where they will block or surround large formations of Ukrainian troops - asked Putin.
The Russian president announced that Russia will continue negotiations to end the conflict and reach acceptable agreements based on the situation "on the ground". Putin emphasised that the idea of a ceasefire is valid but requires discussion with American partners. - Perhaps we should discuss this with the President of the United States Donald Trump - he added.
What are the prospects for ending the conflict?
During talks in Jeddah, Ukraine agreed to a ceasefire proposal that would cover activities in the air, on the water, and along the entire line of confrontation. However, as Putin highlighted, "we will make agreements on the next steps to end the conflict and achieve the accords that will be acceptable for all based on the situation on the ground". It seems that talks with US President Donald Trump will be crucial and may bring a breakthrough in this matter.
The visit of the US President’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to Moscow aims to convince Putin to a ceasefire. Vladimir Putin thanked Donald Trump for the ongoing negotiations, which may suggest that Russia is open to further talks on this issue. It seems that the coming days and talks with American partners will be crucial and may determine the future of the conflict in Ukraine.
