Russian President Vladimir Putin says he is open to a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but insists that any truce must lead to a long-term settlement addressing what he calls the “root causes” of the war. In translation, it all comes to eastward expansion of the NATO and the fact that Russia views NATO expansion as a security threat.
Speaking today in Moscow, Putin said key details must be resolved before any agreement can be reached between Russia, Ukraine, and the United States.
“We agree with the proposals to stop military actions, but we proceed from the fact that this cessation should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the crisis,” said Putin.
His remarks follow a U.S. proposal for an unconditional ceasefire Ukraine is ready to accept. But Putin made it clear: No pause in fighting without Russian demands being met.
Putin’s Ceasefire Conditions
- Ukraine must abandon NATO ambitions
- Recognition of Russian control over Crimea and four annexed regions
- No European troops in Ukraine
“Putin is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war and keep killing Ukrainians. That’s why, in Moscow, they are surrounding the ceasefire idea with such preconditions that it either fails or gets dragged out for as long as possible,” Zelenskyy said in response to Putin.
President Trump has expressed optimism that the deal is within the reach and that he hopes that Putin will do “the right thing.”
Trump said he would love to meet with Putin. “I’d love to meet with them or talk to him, but we have to get it over with fast. You know, every day, people are being killed.”
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