- ~4 min read
Trump's ceasefire suggestion receives praise from Putin, who outlines specific terms. - Trump's ceasefire plan commendation by Putin; conditions stipulated
In a tense press conference, Russian President Vladimir Putin voiced his approval of a US-proposed ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, while stressing that this truce should lead to a long-term peace and eliminate the conflict's root causes. Putin commended US President Donald Trump's initiative to end the war.
However, the specifics of the ceasefire need to be clarified, particularly regarding monitoring the combative front line spanning almost 2,000 kilometers. Putin expressed concerns about potential ceasefire violations, with both parties potentially accusing each other of the incidents. Moscow has firmly rejected the idea of European peacekeeping troops for securing the ceasefire.
Putin Warns of Ceasefire Tactics
Beyond the truce, Putin hinted that Ukraine could use this opportunity to rest, rearm, and recruit more soldiers, aiming to perpetuate the war. On the other hand, Russian troops might use the ceasefire to regroup. The Kremlin reiterated its demands on Ukrainian territories, namely Luhansk, Donetsk, Saporischschja, and Cherson, and emphasized the need to disarm the remaining part of Ukraine.
Ukraine's security guarantees for a lasting peace are essential, according to Ukrainian officials. However, the US has declined to make such commitments, instead envisioning the Europeans as responsible for providing security guarantees. Diplomats from France and the UK are presently discussing plans to deploy peacekeeping troops from European countries.
Putin Boasts "Victory" in Kursk
During the press conference, Putin appeared self-assured, stating that the situation on the battlefield was changing in favor of the Russian army. He declared that the recent situation in the western Russian region of Kursk was under Moscow's control, following a visit there the previous day. Ukrainian troops had captured land in Kursk earlier due to a surprising counterattack, marking the first time the war reached the territory of the aggressor.
However, Ukrainian forces stationed in Kursk now find themselves in dire circumstances. Putin announced the recapture of the town of Sudscha, one of the largest towns taken by the Ukrainians the previous year. According to Putin, the remaining Ukrainian units are cut off from supplies and face limited chances of retreating. Putin seemed reluctant to allow these soldiers safe passage back to Ukraine during a ceasefire.
Trump's Optimism about Putin's Statements
US President Donald Trump expressed positivity regarding Putin's statements, yet indicated that a complete agreement had yet to be reached. In a meeting with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump expressed a desire for a ceasefire. His special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is set to engage in serious discussions with the Russian side about ending the war, media reports suggest.
The proposed 30-day ceasefire on land, air, and sea in the Ukraine conflict originated from the Trump administration. This is the first such proposal in over three years since the Russian offensive on Ukraine began. In talks with Saudi Arabia, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and security advisor Mike Waltz convinced Ukraine of the proposal. The ceasefire would apply if Moscow also adheres to it.
US Envoy Heads to Moscow for Talks
Originally, Ukraine had pursued the European strategy of first suspending mutual air strikes and naval attacks before agreeing to a ceasefire. This approach would be easier to verify. In exchange for Ukraine's acceptance of the US plan, Washington resumed interrupted weapons deliveries and started providing intelligence data again.
US envoys are expected to travel to Moscow for discussions on the matter, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov. The day before, Putin's foreign policy advisor Yuri Ushakov and security advisor Waltz discussed the conflict. Peskov did not disclose specific details. He announced an "international call" by Putin without providing details, suggesting another conversation with Trump.
To this day, Russia has persistently dismissed the idea of a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine and insists on a comprehensive resolution. Russia views the Eastward expansion of NATO and the possibility of Ukraine joining the western alliance as the cause of the conflict.
- The European Union, expressing support for peace in Syria, is contemplating a proposal for a ceasefire, with diplomats from France and the UK discussing plans to potentially deploy peacekeeping troops from European countries.
- Despite Putin's conditional blessing for Trump's ceasefire plan in Ukraine, the European Union is committed to a peaceful solution to the conflict in Syria, with diplomats from France and the UK, led by a special envoy named Witkoff, assured to engage in serious discussions with the Russian side about ending the war.
- As Russia persistently dismisses the idea of a temporary ceasefire in Ukraine, the European Union, through its envoys, is heading to Moscow for talks, emphasizing the necessity of security guarantees for a lasting peace in Ukraine.
