Putin Agrees in Principle to U.S. Ceasefire Plan for Ukraine/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Putin agrees in principle to a U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine but insists on key conditions. Talks are ongoing in Moscow, where Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is negotiating terms. Russia claims to have retaken Sudzha, a key Ukrainian stronghold in Russia’s Kursk border region. The U.S. has warned of new sanctions if Russia fails to engage in meaningful peace efforts. Ukraine and Russia both skeptical, fearing the ceasefire will benefit the opposing side militarily.
Ceasefire Talks: Quick Looks
- Putin cautiously welcomes U.S. ceasefire plan, saying it must lead to lasting peace.
- Russia sets conditions, including the surrender of encircled Ukrainian troops in Kursk.
- Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff arrives in Moscow for negotiations with Russian officials.
- Russia claims victory in Sudzha, further shifting battlefield dynamics.
- Ukrainian President Zelenskyy pressures Russia, calling for an immediate halt to attacks.
- U.S. Treasury warns of new sanctions if Russia refuses to cooperate.
- The fate of $3.85 billion in U.S. military aid to Ukraine remains uncertain.
Deep Look: Putin Considers Ceasefire as U.S. Pushes for Peace in Ukraine
Putin Agrees in Principle but Demands Terms
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday expressed conditional support for a U.S.-backed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the truce must be structured to ensure lasting peace rather than serving as a temporary reprieve for Ukraine’s military.
Speaking at a Moscow news conference, Putin noted that Ukrainian troops in Kursk are encircled, and any ceasefire deal must determine whether they lay down arms and surrender.
“So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said. “But there are issues that we need to discuss with our American colleagues and partners.”
The talks are taking place in Moscow, where Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, arrived earlier in the day for discussions with Russian officials.
Russia Claims Key Victory as Talks Begin
Just hours before Putin’s remarks, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its troops recaptured Sudzha, a Ukrainian-held town in Russia’s Kursk border region.
Putin’s high-profile visit to Kursk on Wednesday, where he met military commanders while wearing military fatigues, reinforced the notion that Russia wants battlefield leverage before committing to a truce.
Ukraine has not confirmed the loss of Sudzha, but military sources indicated that Russian forces had intensified aerial strikes in the region.
U.S. and Russia at Diplomatic Crossroads
The ceasefire talks mark a pivotal moment in U.S.-Russia relations, with Trump’s administration applying pressure on both sides.
- The U.S. Treasury warned of additional sanctions if Russia fails to engage in peace efforts.
- Senior U.S. officials hope Russia halts attacks within days, but Russian officials remain skeptical.
- Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov refused to discuss details, saying negotiations were ongoing.
“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting,” Putin said. “But we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis.”
Is a Ceasefire a Tactical Pause for Ukraine?
Despite agreeing to the ceasefire, Russia remains wary of Ukraine’s intentions. Yuri Ushakov, Putin’s top foreign policy adviser, described the truce as a “temporary break for the Ukrainian military”, allowing them to regroup and rearm.
Ukraine, on the other hand, has voiced similar concerns, fearing that Russia will use the ceasefire to reinforce its military positions.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Russia’s delay, accusing Moscow of stalling peace efforts while consolidating its gains.
“We are determined to move quickly toward peace,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram, urging the U.S. to pressure Russia into compliance.
What Happens Next?
As the Moscow talks continue, several key questions remain:
- Will Russia formally accept the U.S. proposal, or push for revised terms?
- Will Ukraine be forced to make additional concessions, particularly in Kursk?
- How will U.S. sanctions play a role in pressuring Russia to agree to a truce?
- Will the Kremlin use this moment to expand its territorial ambitions, particularly in Ukraine’s Sumy region?
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