Vladimir Putin has expressed a range of concerns regarding the proposed US-brokered ceasefire with Ukraine, outlining specific conditions that Russia insists must be fulfilled before it would consider agreeing to such an arrangement.
During a press conference at the Kremlin, where he was joined by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin acknowledged the US proposals aimed at halting the ongoing hostilities, stating that he generally supports the idea of a ceasefire. However, he emphasized the necessity of addressing the fundamental issues that have fueled the conflict before any agreement can be reached.
“The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin remarked, highlighting his openness to dialogue. Nonetheless, he stressed that Ukraine should not engage in rearming or mobilization during the ceasefire period. Additionally, he called for an immediate cessation of Western military assistance to Kyiv to ensure the integrity of the truce, suggesting that these measures are crucial for a lasting peace.
In a brief response to Putin’s comments, former President Donald Trump, who was preparing for a meeting with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, described Putin’s statement as “very promising,” while noting that it lacked completeness. Trump’s remarks indicate a cautious optimism but also imply that further clarity and commitment from all parties involved would be necessary to move forward.
