Vladimir Putin has expressed agreement with the concept of a ceasefire in Ukraine, albeit with “questions” regarding its implementation, as he outlined stringent conditions for peace. This response follows Ukraine’s acceptance of a proposed 30-day ceasefire, brokered through discussions with the United States.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky characterized Putin’s reaction as “manipulative” and called for increased sanctions against Russia. Simultaneously, the US imposed additional sanctions targeting Russia’s oil, gas, and banking sectors.
Russian officials indicated that Putin was scheduled to meet with US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, on Thursday evening; however, the occurrence of this meeting remains unconfirmed.
On Friday, Russian state media reported that the aircraft believed to be carrying Witkoff had departed Moscow, citing Flightradar data. Neither Moscow nor Washington has issued official statements on this matter. Â
Overnight and into Thursday, both Russia and Ukraine reported new drone attacks. Ukraine reported seven injuries, including children, in Kharkiv, while Russia reported a significant fire at an oil facility in Tuapse.
During a press conference in Moscow on Thursday, Putin addressed the ceasefire proposal, stating, “The idea is right – and we support it – but there are questions that we need to discuss.” He emphasized that a ceasefire should pave the way for “an enduring peace and remove the root causes of this crisis.”
“We need to negotiate with our American colleagues and partners,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have a call with Donald Trump.” Putin added, “It will be good for the Ukrainian side to achieve a 30-day ceasefire. We are in favour of it, but there are nuances.”
Putin highlighted the contested Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a military incursion in August, as a key point of contention. He asserted that Russia had regained full control of Kursk, claiming Ukrainian troops were “isolated.” “They are trying to leave, but we are in control. Their equipment has been abandoned,” Putin said. “There are two options for Ukrainians in Kursk – surrender or die.”
Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, had previously stated that Ukrainian forces would maintain defensive positions in Kursk “as long as it is expedient and necessary” despite “increased” Russian pressure.
Putin also raised questions regarding the practicalities of a ceasefire, asking, “How will those 30 days be used? For Ukraine to mobilise? Rearm? Train people? Or none of that? Then a question – how will that be controlled? Who will give the order to end the fighting? At what cost? Who decides who has broken any possible ceasefire, over 2,000km? All those questions need meticulous work from both sides. Who polices it?”
Zelensky, in his nightly address, stated that Putin “doesn’t say no directly,” but “in practice, he’s preparing a rejection.” He added, “Putin, of course, is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war, wants to kill Ukrainians.” Zelensky argued that Putin’s preconditions were so numerous that “nothing will work out at all.”
The divergent positions of both sides have become increasingly clear. Ukraine favors a two-stage process: an immediate ceasefire followed by negotiations for a long-term settlement. Russia insists on a comprehensive agreement encompassing all issues.
This situation presents a challenge for Donald Trump, who has expressed a desire for a swift resolution to the conflict. Speaking at the White House, Trump stated he would “love” to meet with Putin and expressed hope that Russia would “do the right thing” and agree to the 30-day truce. “We’d like to see a ceasefire from Russia,” he said.
Trump also revealed that he had discussed specifics with Ukraine, stating, “We’ve been discussing with Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost, and all of the other elements of a final agreement.” Regarding Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, Trump said “everybody knows what the answer to that is.”
The US imposed further sanctions on Russian oil and gas, restricting access to US payment systems. Kremlin aide Yuri Ushakov had previously rejected the US ceasefire proposal.
Russia has asserted its control over the Kursk region, and continues its military operations in Ukraine. Russia launched a full-scale invasion in February 2022, and now controls about 20% of Ukrainian territory. Casualty figures remain contested, with both sides providing differing accounts.
