Putin Agrees in Principle to Ukraine Ceasefire—But More Talks Are Needed
A Tentative Step Toward Peace
Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that he agrees in principle with a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the terms are yet to be worked out and insisted that any truce must lead to lasting peace.
“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said at a press conference in Moscow. “But there are issues that need discussion. We need to talk with our American colleagues, and perhaps I will call President Trump to discuss it with him.”
Trump’s Response: Cautious Optimism
U.S. President Donald Trump responded positively to Putin’s statement, describing it as a “good signal” but also noting that it lacked details.
“Putin made a very promising statement, but it wasn’t complete,” Trump said during a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte. “Now we’ll see if Russia is serious. If not, it’ll be very disappointing for the world.”
Ukraine’s Skepticism: Zelenskyy’s Warning
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s remarks as an attempt to stall.
“Putin is essentially preparing to reject the ceasefire,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. “He is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue the war and kill Ukrainians. That is why they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with conditions to delay or prevent it.”
Zelenskyy also warned that Putin has used similar tactics before—expressing openness to diplomacy while ensuring that no real progress is made.
Russia’s Conditions for a Ceasefire
Putin, who launched the full-scale invasion of Ukraine more than three years ago, stated that any ceasefire must include guarantees that Ukraine will not use the pause to rearm or mobilize more troops.
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“We agree with halting the fighting, but a ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and address the root causes of the crisis,” he said.
Putin’s remarks came just hours after Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Moscow for ceasefire negotiations. A Kremlin adviser confirmed that Putin planned to meet with Witkoff later that day.
Military Developments Amid Diplomatic Talks
As ceasefire discussions unfolded, Russia claimed that its troops had driven Ukrainian forces out of Sudzha, a key Ukrainian-held town in the Russian border region of Kursk. Moscow has spent seven months attempting to retake the area.
Putin also questioned what would happen to Ukrainian troops stationed in Kursk if a ceasefire takes effect:
“Will they withdraw peacefully? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down arms and surrender?”
Global Reactions and Geopolitical Shifts
Putin expressed gratitude to Trump for “paying so much attention to the settlement in Ukraine.” He also acknowledged the roles of China, India, Brazil, and South Africa, hinting that these nations might participate in overseeing a ceasefire.
Notably, Putin rejected the idea of NATO peacekeepers monitoring the ceasefire, signaling continued distrust of Western intervention.
The Russian president’s softened tone toward Washington marks a stark shift in U.S.-Russia-Ukraine relations since Trump’s return to office in January. Under former President Joe Biden, the U.S. was Ukraine’s strongest ally. However, Trump has reversed that approach:
- He briefly cut off military aid and intelligence-sharing with Ukraine.
- He questioned Ukraine’s commitment to ending the war during a tense Feb. 28 meeting with Zelenskyy.
- He aligned with Russian positions, casting doubt on Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and signaling that Ukraine may never reclaim Russian-occupied territory
