Putin expresses support for US cease-fire in principle, but stops short of agreeing to terms
According to Russian President Vladimir Putin, any cease-fire agreement must address the root causes of the conflict before Moscow will agree to stop its invasion.
During a Kremlin news conference, Putin expressed gratitude for a U.S.-backed cease-fire in Ukraine but did not fully endorse the plan, stating that many details need to be resolved before Russia will halt its invasion.
Putin emphasized the need for a cease-fire that leads to long-term peace and addresses the underlying issues of the crisis. He did not specify these causes but has previously stated demands such as Ukraine’s permanent exclusion from NATO and the prohibition of foreign troops on Ukrainian soil.
While President Donald Trump hoped for a 30-day cease-fire to end the violence in Ukraine, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has already agreed to the proposed framework after the U.S. resumed weapons supplies and intelligence sharing with Ukraine.
Putin also expressed support for ending conflict through peaceful means and intends to further discuss the issue with U.S. negotiators. However, Russia’s top foreign policy aide cast doubt on the proposed cease-fire, suggesting it would only benefit Ukrainian forces.
As negotiations continue, Trump has threatened more severe economic sanctions against Russia if cooperation on a cease-fire deal is not achieved. Putin’s objectives for the invasion have shifted from demilitarization to addressing the crisis’s root causes for a lasting peace.
Contributions made by The Associated Press and Reuters.
