Putin's cautious ceasefire nod amid Kursk tension concerns
During the press conference, Vladimir Putin made an important declaration. "We agree with the proposals for the ceasefire, but our position is based on the assumption the ceasefire will lead to a long-term peace," said the Russian President.
In the press conference following the Russian-Belarusian talks, Vladimir Putin was questioned about Ukraine's readiness to end the war. The Russian President highlighted the American role in the discussions.
"I would like to thank the President of the United States for dedicating so much attention to resolving the conflict in Ukraine," Putin emphasised.
"Secondly, we agree with the proposals for a ceasefire, but our position is based on the assumption that the ceasefire will lead to long-term peace, something that will address the root causes of the crisis," Putin reiterated.
"Regarding Ukraine's readiness for a ceasefire, there was a meeting between the Americans and Ukrainians in Saudi Arabia, and it seems that the decision was made by the Ukrainian side under American pressure," he remarked.
Putin on the situation in Kursk
Vladimir Putin also highlighted the situation in the Kursk region, describing the condition of the Ukrainians there as "dramatic".
"A few weeks ago, Ukrainians attempted to leave the area in small groups, but today it is not possible. Now they are trying to leave in groups of two to three people because everything is under our control. They have entirely abandoned their equipment. If a physical blockade of this region occurs within the next few days, leaving the area will become utterly impossible. There will be two ways to leave: either die or surrender. In these circumstances, I think it would be beneficial if the Ukrainian side agreed to a ceasefire for at least 30 days," added the Russian President.
Putin raises questions
The Russian President expressed concerns about the proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, stating there are too many uncertainties. He also worried that this period could be used by the Ukrainians for mobilisation.
"If we halt our military actions for 30 days, it means that all those present, including military personnel and Ukrainians, will have the opportunity to leave without a fight. We will allow all those who committed crimes to go. How will we address other issues along the entire front line, which is about 960 kilometres? The Russian military is now on the offensive in all areas of the front, creating conditions to block or encircle large Ukrainian formations. How will they utilise these 30 days? Will they use it for ongoing forced mobilisation in Ukraine, for supplying weapons to these areas, and for newly mobilised units to undergo training?" questioned the Russian leader.
"It was neither Russia nor Belarus that was the primary reason for the current situation. A short time after the conflict began, we proposed, 'Let's end this war.' We discussed it with Volodymyr Zelensky: 'Let's not assign blame, let's stop it now, because later you will have to bear responsibility for the war and Ukraine's territory.' I have always said that he is inexperienced and was simply compelled to participate in this war," Lukashenko echoed him.
