Russian President Vladimir Putin said he supported the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine in principle, but that it should lead to a lasting peace. Putin said at a press conference in Moscow that the ceasefire was the right step, but that many important issues needed to be discussed. These statements signal a renewed acceleration of international diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine.
Ceasefire Offer and Putin's Reaction
Putin stated that they support the 30-day ceasefire proposed by the US, but stated that this ceasefire should pave the way for a lasting peace. He emphasized that the ceasefire should not only be an interim solution, but should lead to a broader peace process. Behind Russia's acceptance of this proposal lies the possibility that military operations in Ukraine will also end at some point. However, Putin has some concerns about the feasibility of the ceasefire. He particularly drew attention to the possibility that Ukraine could use the ceasefire for rearmament purposes, and stated that monitoring mechanisms should be established to prevent such a situation.
Challenges of the Ceasefire and the Evolving Situation
The talks with US President Donald Trump’s special representative will be decisive in how Russia approaches the ceasefire. However, Putin pointed out that Ukraine’s military activities in the Kursk region continue unabated and that this could have negative effects on the ceasefire process. Trump continues to increase pressure on Moscow, emphasizing the importance of both Russia and Ukraine participating in peace talks. He also stated that if Russia does not accept the ceasefire, the US will impose new sanctions.
Putin's statements emphasize the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve the war, and show that ending the war with a long-term ceasefire will not only mean silencing the guns, but also requires a permanent solution. Ukraine, on the other hand, questions whether this offer is a trap, stating that both sides are looking to achieve new gains in this process.
Ukraine’s Concerns Over Ceasefire
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticized Russia’s response to the ceasefire, accusing Moscow of delaying peace talks. Ukraine wants to move quickly toward peace and believes that US pressure will force Russia to agree to a ceasefire. But Zelenskyy has also expressed concerns that Russia could use the ceasefire only to regroup and rearm. Ukraine is debating whether it would be strategically wise to join such a ceasefire at a time when the country is in one of the most critical periods of the war.
Trump's Role and Diplomatic Efforts
The military support provided by the US to Ukraine continues to be a significant factor influencing the course of the war. However, Trump wants to increase his pressure on Moscow and ensure that Russia joins the ceasefire. Trump has made the US’s stance clear in this process by threatening to impose new sanctions on Russia that does not participate in the peace talks. It has also been stated that countries such as China, India, Brazil and South Africa could also take part in this ceasefire agreement and provide support for peace. However, Russia has stated that it is absolutely against the idea of NATO members sending peacekeepers.
Kursk and the Continuing Dynamics of War
Russia’s military operations are concentrated in the Kursk region of Ukraine. Putin said the Russian army plans to make a major move to clear Ukrainian troops from Kursk. However, Ukraine is showing serious resistance and is launching counterattacks in an attempt to change the course of the conflict in the region. This creates uncertainty about how the ceasefire will be implemented. Russia’s military strategy also complicates Ukraine’s chances of approaching peace. Negotiations between the parties are critical to ending the war with a broader diplomatic solution.
The ceasefire talks between Russia and the US could be a decisive step in how the war in Ukraine will end. However, it is clear that a much broader diplomatic effort is needed to turn the ceasefire into a lasting peace. Putin’s statements will determine Moscow’s stance in this process and shape Ukraine’s strategic decisions. The search for gains and minimizing losses by both sides is among the biggest obstacles to the peace process. In this process, getting all parties closer to an agreement requires the creation of a roadmap that aims to ensure not only a ceasefire but also a lasting peace.
