Putin Open to Ceasefire in Ukraine but Insists on Favorable Terms

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin is reportedly willing to consider a ceasefire in Ukraine, but he intends to negotiate terms that align with Moscow’s interests, according to sources. Insiders suggest that this approach is aimed at consolidating the Kremlin’s leverage before entering formal negotiations.

A source familiar with the Kremlin’s stance indicated that while Putin is open to the idea of a temporary cessation of hostilities, any agreement must address Russia’s key demands. Currently, the framework discussed during the U.S.-Ukrainian consultations in Jeddah on March 11—which proposed a 30-day ceasefire—does not meet Moscow’s expectations. The Kremlin has yet to engage directly with U.S. officials regarding this proposal and considers it inadequate for its security interests. As a result, Russia is likely to push for longer ceasefire terms or additional guarantees to mitigate the risk of a swift return to conflict.

This strategy aligns with Russia’s current military posture. Following a series of offensives by Ukrainian forces in the Kursk region in the summer of 2024, Russian troops have regained significant territories by March 2025, particularly in the Sudzha area, where they have been actively displacing enemy forces. This military repositioning is seen as a critical factor in strengthening Russia’s negotiating position.

Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov has previously stated that while Russia is open to dialogue, any discussions must ensure the country’s security and territorial integrity.