Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, though he outlined several conditions that must be addressed before agreeing to the truce.
The ceasefire proposal was introduced earlier this week after talks between Ukraine and the United States, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky agreeing to the plan.
However, Putin’s response drew criticism from Zelensky, who described it as “manipulative” and urged for more sanctions on Russia.
Following Putin’s remarks, the US announced additional sanctions targeting Russian oil, gas, and banking sectors.
During a news conference in Moscow on Thursday, Putin addressed the ceasefire proposal, stating: “The idea is right – and we support it – but there are questions that we need to discuss.” He emphasized that any ceasefire must result in “enduring peace” and resolve the “root causes” of the conflict.
Putin also suggested discussions with American officials, adding, “Maybe I’ll have a call with Donald Trump.”
While acknowledging that the ceasefire would benefit Ukraine, Putin warned of “nuances” that required careful consideration.
One key concern for Putin was Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian forces reportedly launched a military incursion last year. Putin claimed that Russia had regained control of the area, adding that Ukrainian troops had been “isolated” with their equipment abandoned.
“There are two options for Ukrainians in Kursk – surrender or die,” Putin declared.
Addressing concerns about how a ceasefire would operate, Putin questioned: “How will those 30 days be used? For Ukraine to mobilise? Rearm? Train people? Or none of that?”
He also asked who would ensure compliance with the ceasefire across the 2,000 km front line and how violations would be identified.
Zelensky, in his nightly address, responded by accusing Putin of preparing to reject the ceasefire while avoiding a direct refusal. “Putin, of course, is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war,” Zelensky said, claiming Putin had imposed “so many pre-conditions” that achieving peace was unlikely.
Both sides remain divided on how to proceed. Ukraine supports a two-stage process involving an immediate ceasefire followed by broader peace talks, while Russia insists on addressing all issues in a single deal.
The disagreement puts pressure on Donald Trump, who has openly called for a swift end to the conflict. Speaking at the White House, Trump said he would “love” to meet Putin and encouraged Russia to accept the truce.
“We’d like to see a ceasefire from Russia,” Trump stated. During an earlier meeting with Nato Secretary General Mark Rutte, Trump revealed that he had already discussed territorial compromises with Ukraine.
“We’ve been discussing with Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost,” Trump said, adding that many details had already been explored.
On Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, Trump remarked, “Everybody knows what the answer to that is.”
Meanwhile, Putin met privately with US special envoy Steve Witkoff in Moscow. Earlier in the day, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov rejected the US-backed ceasefire plan.
On Wednesday, the Kremlin released a video showing Putin visiting Russia’s Kursk region in military fatigues. Later, Russia announced the recapture of the key town of Sudzha.
Since launching a full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia now controls roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory. Over 95,000 Russian soldiers have reportedly died in the war.
Ukraine, which last updated its casualty figures in December 2024, confirmed 43,000 Ukrainian deaths among troops, though Western analysts believe this number is underestimated.
