Vladimir Putin sets out conditions for Ukraine ceasefire

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated he agreed with the thought of a ceasefire in Ukraine, however that “questions” remained concerning the nature of a truce as he set out plenty of powerful conditions.

The Russian president was responding to a plan for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine agreed to earlier this week after talks with the US.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described Putin’s response to the plan as “manipulative” and known as for extra sanctions on Russia.

In the meantime, the US positioned additional sanctions on Russian oil, gasoline and banking sectors.

Talking at a information convention in Moscow on Thursday, Putin stated of the ceasefire proposal: “The concept is correct – and we assist it – however there are questions that we have to talk about.”

A ceasefire ought to result in “a permanent peace and take away the foundation causes of this disaster”, Putin stated.

“We have to negotiate with our American colleagues and companions,” he stated. “Possibly I am going to have a name with Donald Trump.”

Putin added: “It will likely be good for the Ukrainian aspect to attain a 30-day ceasefire.

“We’re in favour of it, however there are nuances.”

One of many areas of rivalry is Russia’s Kursk area, Putin stated, the place Ukraine launched a army incursion final 12 months and captured some territory.

He claimed Russia was totally again in command of Kursk, and stated Ukrainian troops there “have been remoted”.

“They’re making an attempt to depart, however we’re in management. Their gear has been deserted.”

“There are two choices for Ukrainians in Kursk – give up or die.”

Outlining a few of his questions over how a ceasefire would work, Putin requested: “How will these 30 days be used? For Ukraine to mobilise? Rearm? Prepare folks? Or none of that? Then a query – how will that be managed?”

“Who will give the order to finish the combating? At what price? Who decides who has damaged any doable ceasefire, over 2,000km? All these questions want meticulous work from either side. Who polices it?”

Putin “would not say no instantly”, Zelensky stated in his nightly video handle, however “in apply, he is getting ready a rejection”.

“Putin, in fact, is afraid to inform President Trump instantly that he desires to proceed this battle, desires to kill Ukrainians.”

The Russian chief had set so many pre-conditions “that nothing will work out in any respect”, Zelensky stated.

After Putin’s remarks and Zelensky’s response, there may be now a transparent divide between either side’ positions.

Ukraine desires a two-stage course of: a fast ceasefire after which talks a few longer-term settlement.

Russia believes you can not separate the 2 processes and all the problems ought to be determined in a single deal. Each side appear content material to argue their variations.

Ukraine believes it could possibly put strain on Russia, portray it as a reluctant peacemaker, taking part in for time. Russia, equally, believes it has an opportunity now to boost its basic issues, about Nato enlargement and Ukraine’s sovereignty.

However this presents an issue for Donald Trump. He has made it clear he desires a fast end result, ending the combating in days.

And proper now, Putin doesn’t seem to need to play ball.

Talking on the White Home following Putin’s remarks, Trump stated he would “love” to satisfy the Russian chief and that he hoped Russia would “do the precise factor” and conform to the proposed 30-day truce.

“We might wish to see a ceasefire from Russia,” he stated.

Talking earlier at a gathering within the Oval Workplace with Nato Secretary Normal Mark Rutte, Trump instructed reporters he had already mentioned specifics with Ukraine.

“We have been discussing with Ukraine land and items of land that may be saved and misplaced, and the entire different components of a last settlement,” Trump stated.

“Numerous the main points of a last settlement have truly been mentioned.”

With regards to Ukraine becoming a member of the Nato army alliance, Trump stated “all people is aware of what the reply to that’s”.

The contemporary sanctions on Russian oil and gasoline got here because the Trump administration additional restricted entry to US fee techniques, making it tougher for different international locations to purchase Russian oil.

In the meantime, Putin met US particular envoy Steve Witkoff behind closed doorways in Moscow.

Earlier within the day, Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov rejected the ceasefire proposal put ahead by the US.

On Wednesday, the Kremlin launched a video it stated confirmed Putin visiting Russia’s Kursk area, symbolically wearing army fatigues. Russia later stated it recaptured the important thing city of Sudzha.

Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, and now controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory.

Greater than 95,000 folks combating for Russia’s army have died within the battle.

Ukraine final up to date its casualty figures in December 2024, when President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged 43,000 Ukrainian deaths amongst troopers and officers. Western analysts imagine this determine to be underestimated.