•Russian President Raises Tough Questions on Practical Implementation
Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for a U.S.-proposed ceasefire to halt Russia’s ongoing war with Ukraine, but he made it clear that such an agreement must lead to a long-term resolution and address the root causes of the conflict.
His remarks, delivered in Moscow on Thursday, reflected both a willingness to engage in peace efforts and skepticism about the effectiveness of a temporary pause in fighting.
Putin Acknowledges U.S. Effort but Stresses Strategic Concerns
“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” Putin told reporters.
The Russian leader also hinted at a potential direct conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, stating, “Maybe I should call President [Donald] Trump and have a discussion with him.”
At the White House, Trump responded to Putin’s comments by saying it would be “very disappointing” if Russia ultimately rejected Washington’s efforts to broker an end to the fighting.
The Ceasefire Proposal and Russia’s Reservations
The proposal for a 30-day temporary truce was reportedly endorsed by both Washington and Kyiv following a meeting between their delegations in Saudi Arabia earlier in the week.
However, Putin made it clear that Russia is not interested in short-term pauses that might simply allow Ukraine to regroup and rearm.
“On the surface, it may look like a decision made by Ukraine under U.S. pressure,” Putin said.
“In reality, I am absolutely convinced that the Ukrainian side should have insisted on this ceasefire from the Americans based on how the situation on the front line is unfolding.”
Putin went on to describe what he called Russia’s military advantage on the battlefield, particularly in the Kursk region, where he claimed Ukrainian forces were struggling and effectively encircled.
He questioned the implications of halting hostilities while Russian troops were in the process of isolating enemy forces.
“If we stop fighting for 30 days, what does it mean? That everyone who is there will leave without a fight? We should let them go after they committed mass crimes against civilians? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down their arms and simply surrender?”
Key Concerns: Military, Strategic, and Logistical Challenges
Beyond the battlefield dynamics, Putin raised several logistical concerns about how such a ceasefire would be implemented, monitored, and enforced.
- Control and Verification: “How will the issues of control and verification be resolved? How can we be guaranteed that nothing like this will happen again? How will the control be organized?”
- Enforcement of the Truce: “Who will give orders to stop hostilities? Can you imagine? Almost 2,000 kilometers [of frontlines]. Who will determine where and who broke the potential ceasefire? Who will be blamed?”
- Potential Ukrainian Strategy: “These 30 days—how will they be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To receive more arms supplies? To train newly mobilized units?”
Putin’s skepticism was echoed by Yuri Ushakov, Russia’s former ambassador to the U.S. and a top Kremlin adviser, who stated bluntly: “The proposal for a 30-day ceasefire does not give Russia anything; it is only an opportunity for Ukraine to regroup its forces.”
A Diplomatic Standoff?
Putin’s remarks suggest that while Russia is not outright rejecting the ceasefire proposal, it views it as fundamentally flawed in its current form.
His message to the U.S. and Ukraine could be summarized as: “We are open to peace, but not at the cost of giving our adversaries a strategic advantage.”
This places the ball back in Washington’s court. Trump’s administration will have to address Russia’s concerns if it hopes to move forward with meaningful peace negotiations.
For now, Putin appears to be waiting for more details—and perhaps a direct conversation with Trump—to determine whether the proposed ceasefire is genuinely aimed at ending the war or simply a tactical pause that benefits Kyiv.
Share This Post