Russian President Vladimir Putin has given conditional support to a proposed 30-day ceasefire deal with Ukraine, stating that “the idea itself is the right one,” but emphasizing that several issues must be addressed before Russia agrees. These issues include Ukrainian troops still inside Russia’s Kursk border region, potential continued arms shipments to Ukraine, and whether the pause will lead to a permanent peace acceptable to the Kremlin.
President Trump, who met with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte in Washington, called Mr. Putin’s response “promising” but incomplete. Mr. Trump indicated a willingness to speak directly with Mr. Putin to secure the ceasefire and hinted at negative consequences for Moscow if it refuses the deal. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned that the president is “willing to apply maximum pressure on both sides.”
Mr. Putin expects to talk directly with Mr. Trump soon and will meet with his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who arrived in Moscow. However, the Russian president’s top aides expressed skepticism, suggesting the American plan would only give Ukraine time to regroup and re-arm.
Russia’s interest in a ceasefire may have diminished as it has recently gained momentum in southern and eastern Ukraine. Russia announced it had retaken Sudzha, the biggest city in Kursk, driving Ukrainian forces out of territory they had occupied since last summer — the first foreign occupation of Russian soil since World War II.
Mr. Trump told reporters that informal discussions about ending the war have already begun, including talks about territory swaps and security policy. He suggested Ukraine will likely have to give up some territory and abandon NATO aspirations for a long-term peace deal.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed skepticism about Russia’s intentions, saying, “Putin is afraid to say directly to President Trump that he wants to continue this war.” Andriy Yermak, Mr. Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, emphasized that Ukraine would reject any plan that freezes the current situation, with Russian forces occupying about a fifth of Ukraine’s territory.
The U.S. officially lifted its pause on military aid to Ukraine on Tuesday following progress in peace talks. Mr. Putin’s ambiguous remarks have left some in Kyiv questioning whether he genuinely agreed to the American ceasefire proposal or is using negotiations as leverage to secure concessions.
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