Russian President Vladimir Putin insisted on halting Ukraine’s mobilization and Western military aid during the truce|CC BY-NC 4.0
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed interest in the US-brokered 30-day ceasefire that Ukraine has agreed to. But he outlined a series of tough conditions, casting doubts on whether peace talks will progress.
Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in the Kremlin, Putin agreed in principle but insisted on halting Ukraine’s mobilization and Western military aid during the truce.
Shortly after, President Donald Trump said Putin “made a very promising statement, but it was not complete.” He also mentioned being open to talks with the Russian leader.
Putin’s careful wording suggests he is avoiding an outright rejection of the ceasefire but prolonging negotiations. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed his response as “manipulative.”
Tension between both sides continues. Both countries reported new drone attacks by the enemy on Thursday.
Experts remain unsure if Russia would agree to the deal, which it claims favors Ukraine. The ceasefire will see an end to all military exercises for 30 days and the exchange of prisoners and civilian detainees.