Putin Offers Conditional Support for Ceasefire in Ukraine

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed a willingness to support proposals aimed at ending hostilities in Ukraine, emphasizing that any ceasefire must ensure long-term stability and address the root causes of the conflict. During a speech today, Putin underscored that while Moscow is open to freezing hostilities, it insists on conditions that protect Russia’s interests, including the status of territories annexed in 2022. He also highlighted the importance of security guarantees to prevent future threats.

Putin’s comments come as the U.S. has proposed a 30-day ceasefire during recent talks in Jeddah, where American representatives aimed to discuss the details with Moscow. The Russian leader acknowledged the positive signals from the new American administration, particularly thanking President Donald Trump for his attention to resolving the Ukrainian conflict. However, he stressed that any agreements must reflect the real situation on the ground.

The backdrop to Putin’s remarks includes ongoing diplomatic activity. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov indicated that U.S. representatives would soon arrive in Russia to relay the outcomes of their consultations with Kyiv. Reports suggest that Trump plans to personally discuss a de-escalation strategy with Putin, which may involve easing sanctions and utilizing frozen Russian assets for Ukraine’s recovery. However, Moscow remains firm on retaining control of newly acquired regions, a stance that conflicts with Kyiv’s demand for a complete withdrawal of Russian troops.

Putin’s confidence in negotiations is bolstered by recent military successes. On the same day, the Russian Defense Ministry announced the liberation of Sudzha in the Kursk region, with Chief of the General Staff Valery Gerasimov reporting that Russian forces have reclaimed over 1,100 square kilometers since the beginning of the year. Experts suggest that these advancements provide the Kremlin with leverage in ongoing negotiations.

In a separate but related statement, Putin claimed that the situation in the Kursk region is under full Russian control, asserting that Ukrainian forces have lost command and are attempting to flee in small groups. He warned that the remaining Ukrainian units would face isolation, with a stark choice between surrender and death in battle. He characterized the Russian military’s successes as part of a broader offensive along a 2,000-kilometer front.

Despite these military gains, Putin expressed skepticism about the feasibility of the proposed U.S. ceasefire, questioning how the 30-day period would be utilized. He raised concerns about continued mobilization in Ukraine and the supply of weapons, suggesting that the ceasefire could merely serve as a pause for Ukrainian forces to regroup.

The Russian president criticized the lack of clear mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire, stating that Moscow has yet to receive answers to crucial questions about command and legal authority. Without concrete assurances, Putin warned that the ceasefire could become an opportunity for Ukrainian forces to rearm and reorganize, a scenario Moscow finds unacceptable.