Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that Russia agrees in principle with the United States' ceasefire proposal but emphasized that key terms still need to be negotiated. He stressed that any agreement should ensure lasting peace and address the root causes of the conflict.
Putin noted that Ukrainian forces remain encircled in their last stronghold in Russia’s Kursk region, and it must be determined whether they will surrender before the ceasefire takes effect.
The ceasefire proposal, presented by U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff during negotiations in Moscow, was already accepted by Ukraine in talks held earlier this week in Saudi Arabia.
This diplomatic effort coincided with Russia’s claim that its troops had driven Ukrainian forces out of a key town in the Kursk border region. Moscow has been attempting for seven months to push Ukrainian troops out of the area.
On Thursday, Putin also highlighted the need for a mechanism to monitor potential ceasefire violations. He raised concerns that Ukraine might use the proposed 30-day truce to mobilize troops and rearm.
"We support the idea of halting the fighting, but we assume the ceasefire must lead to lasting peace and address the root causes of this crisis," Putin said.
He suggested that while the U.S. had persuaded Ukraine to accept a ceasefire, Kyiv's decision was likely driven by battlefield realities. He pointed out that Ukrainian troops in the Kursk region were close to being completely surrounded.
"Given these circumstances, it would be in Ukraine’s interest to secure a 30-day ceasefire," he added.
Earlier on Thursday, a senior Kremlin official dismissed the idea of a temporary truce, insisting that Russia was only interested in a long-term resolution to the conflict.
"We seek a lasting peace settlement that considers Russia’s legitimate interests and concerns," said Yuri Ushakov, an aide to Putin, in an interview with Russian media. "Superficial gestures that merely imitate peaceful intentions are not in anyone’s interest."
Meanwhile, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said on Tuesday: "The Ukrainian delegation made it clear today that they share President Trump’s vision for peace and are committed to ending the fighting and loss of life."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky echoed similar sentiments in a video address on Sunday, stating: "We hope for tangible progress—both in advancing peace and securing continued support."
Witkoff is scheduled to meet with Putin on Thursday night in Moscow.
"The meeting between Witkoff and President Vladimir Putin will be held behind closed doors this evening," Ushakov told the Russian state-owned news outlet Izvestia.
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