On Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin indicated his preliminary support for a U.S. proposal advocating a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, while stressing the need for further discussions on the terms to ensure a pathway to enduring peace.
At a news conference in Moscow, Putin remarked, The idea itself is sound, and we certainly back it. However, there are matters we must address, and I believe we should engage in discussions with our American counterparts.
He underscored the importance of establishing a framework to monitor any potential violations of the ceasefire agreement. Additionally, he raised concerns regarding whether Ukraine might utilize the 30-day truce to bolster its military capabilities.
We are in agreement with the proposal to cease hostilities, but it is essential that this ceasefire leads to a sustainable peace that addresses the underlying issues of the crisis, Putin stated.
His comments came shortly after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow for discussions related to the ceasefire, which has already received Ukraine’s acceptance.
This diplomatic initiative coincided with Russian claims of driving Ukrainian forces out of a strategically significant town in the Kursk border region, where Moscow has been working for several months to dislodge Ukrainian troops from established positions.
Putin suggested that the U.S. had successfully encouraged Ukraine to agree to the ceasefire, noting Ukraine’s interest in this path due to the current state of affairs on the battlefield, particularly in Kursk. He questioned, Will all those stationed there withdraw without a confrontation?
He expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his significant efforts toward resolving the situation in Ukraine, as well as to leaders from China, India, Brazil, and South Africa for their commitment to facilitating an end to the conflict, signaling their potential participation in ceasefire negotiations.
Russia has stated it will not permit peacekeepers from NATO member states to oversee any potential truce.
Putin’s foreign affairs adviser announced plans for a meeting between Putin and Witkoff later on Thursday.
The Russian Defense Ministry claimed earlier that it has recaptured the town of Sudzha, a notable Ukrainian operational hub in Kursk, shortly after Putin visited military commanders in the area. This claim has yet to be independently verified, and Ukrainian officials have not provided immediate comment.
The renewed military activity in Russia and Putin’s high-profile visit to his forces coincided with Trump’s efforts for a diplomatic resolution to the war, which has been ongoing for over three years following Russia’s full-scale invasion.
On Tuesday, the U.S. lifted its suspension of military aid to Kyiv, which had been in place since March 3, after U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported progress in discussions aimed at ceasing hostilities during talks held in Saudi Arabia.
Trump stated on Wednesday that it’s now up to Russia, as his administration continues to pressure Moscow to agree to the ceasefire, hinting at potential new sanctions aimed at Russia if it fails to engage in peace initiatives.
In an interview with CNBC on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent affirmed that Trump is prepared to exert maximum pressure on both sides, including imposing significant sanctions on Russia.
