In a significant development regarding the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a ceasefire proposed by the United States. While acknowledging the U.S. initiative, he underscored the need for further clarifications and conditions, indicating that a swift resolution to the fighting remains unlikely.
The conflict, which erupted with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with hundreds of thousands dead or injured, millions displaced, and towns reduced to rubble. This situation has sparked one of the most intense confrontations between Russia and the West in decades.
Putin’s cautiously optimistic stance regarding the ceasefire seems aimed at signaling goodwill toward Washington and possibly paving the way for renewed dialogue with U.S. President Donald Trump. However, he emphasized that any agreement must tackle the fundamental issues at the root of the conflict.
As he stated, “We proceed from the fact that this cessation should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis,”
suggesting that any ceasefire without considering these underlying issues may not hold.
In his remarks, Putin outlined several key points that he believes require clarification and also extended his gratitude to Trump, who has expressed a desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, for his efforts to facilitate an end to the hostilities.
Both nations now frame the conflict as a perilous proxy war, one that has the potential to escalate dramatically. Trump commented on Putin’s statements, calling them “very promising
” and expressing hope that Russia would do the right thing.
He also mentioned that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is engaged in meaningful discussions in Moscow concerning the U.S. proposal, which has reportedly received Ukraine’s agreement.
As Trump articulated, “Now we’re going to see whether or not Russia is there, and if they’re not, it’ll be a very disappointing moment for the world,”
reflecting the global stakes tied to these negotiations.
Territorial Concerns
The potential delay in reaching an agreement could afford Russia additional time to consolidate its military presence as it continues to insist on Ukraine’s permanent cession of territory—an unacceptable stance for Ukraine. Kyiv and its allies have labeled Russia’s invasion as an imperialistic land grab, and President Volodymyr Zelensky has continuously vowed to vanquish Russian forces. Notably, Russian troops currently occupy nearly a fifth of Ukraine’s territory and have been advancing since mid-2024.
In the discussions, Trump mentioned that his administration has been considering which territories Ukraine would retain or relinquish in any potential agreement, along with the fate of a significant power plant. While he did not explicitly name the facility, it likely refers to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant, which has raised safety concerns due to the conflict.
Putin characterizes the ongoing struggle as an existential battle against a declining and moralistic West, citing a sense of humiliation following the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 when NATO expanded towards what he views as Russia’s sphere of influence, which includes Ukraine.
He underscored that any ceasefire must ensure Ukraine does not utilize the break in fighting to regroup and strengthen its forces, posing several critical questions regarding monitoring and guarantees around the ceasefire. “How can we and how will we be guaranteed that nothing like this will happen? How will control of the ceasefire be organized?”
he questioned.
In a potential diplomatic move, Putin mentioned the possibility of reaching out to Trump to discuss the ceasefire proposal further.
Recently, the United States resumed weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine after affirming during discussions in Saudi Arabia that Ukrainian leadership is supportive of the ceasefire proposal. The Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has also communicated with Putin, reaffirming the kingdom’s commitment to fostering a political resolution in Ukraine.
On the ground, Russia has launched a rapid offensive in the western region of Kursk, aimed at Ukrainian forces, who have sought to divert Russian military focus from the eastern part of Ukraine. In a visit to a command post, Putin donned a camouflage uniform and reflected on the implications of a ceasefire, remarking, “If we stop hostilities for 30 days, what does that mean? That everyone who is there will leave without a fight?”
Presently, Ukraine holds less than 200 square kilometers in Kursk, a stark decline from 1,300 square kilometers at the height of the incursion, according to Russian military sources.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
