Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced his conditional support for a ceasefire in the ongoing Ukraine conflict, emphasizing the necessity of resolving critical concerns through dialogue, particularly with the United States. Speaking at a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow on Thursday, Putin outlined the complexities surrounding the proposed ceasefire.
According to a video released by Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti agency, Putin suggested that Ukraine’s decision to consider a ceasefire may have been influenced by American pressure following a recent Saudi–American–Ukrainian meeting.
Reflecting on past military encounters, Putin recalled how Ukrainian units infiltrating Russia’s southern Kursk region last August were isolated and left with limited options. ‘They only have two choices: surrender or perish,’ Putin remarked, adding that, under such circumstances, Ukraine’s call for even a 30-day ceasefire could be a strategic move.
‘If a ceasefire is established, all those present will withdraw without fighting, and we will let them go, even though they have committed crimes against civilians,’ Putin said. However, he expressed uncertainty about how such an arrangement could be implemented effectively.
The Russian leader questioned the true purpose of a proposed 30-day ceasefire. ‘Is it intended for troop mobilization or the delivery of weapons?’ he asked. He also raised concerns about enforcement and monitoring, querying who would oversee compliance along the 2,000-kilometre border and who would determine violations.
While broadly expressing support for ceasefire efforts, Putin underlined that substantial issues remain unresolved, suggesting that discussions, possibly via phone, with former US President Donald Trump could be beneficial. He also thanked Trump for his proposals aimed at halting hostilities.
Following the Russia–Belarus summit, a joint statement was issued affirming the nations’ commitment to coordinating future military and diplomatic strategies. The statement condemned what they described as NATO’s aggressive actions concerning the Ukrainian conflict, warning of potential risks, including the threat of nuclear escalation.
Both leaders also criticized the European Union’s stance towards Russia, labelling it as ‘aggressive and confrontational’.
On Thursday Putin was scheduled to meet Steve Witkoff, a special envoy of the US President. According to Russian foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov, the meeting took place behind closed doors, as reported by the Russian daily Izvestia.
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