Vladimir Putin expressed support for a ceasefire in Ukraine but insisted on strict conditions, fueling doubts about Russia’s commitment to peace. The Russian President responded to a 30-day ceasefire plan that Ukraine accepted earlier this week after discussions with the US.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin’s response, calling it manipulative, and urged additional sanctions on Russia to increase pressure. The US responded by imposing fresh sanctions on Russia’s oil, gas, and banking sectors, tightening economic restrictions on Moscow.
Russian authorities said Thursday that Putin would speak with Steve Witkoff, the special envoy of US President Donald Trump, about the ceasefire. Witkoff reportedly arrived in Moscow that day, but it’s still unclear if the meeting went as planned.
Overnight, both Russia and Ukraine reported fresh attacks, including drone strikes on Kharkiv and a fire at an oil complex in Tuapse. During a press conference, Putin questioned the ceasefire’s implementation and long-term effect, but he acknowledged its significance.
Putin pointed to the western Kursk region, where Ukraine launched an incursion last August, as an important area of contention. He claimed Russian forces regained complete control, leaving Ukrainian troops trapped with only options to die or surrender.
Speaking from the White House, Trump expressed hope that Russia would do the right thing and accept the truce. He confirmed ongoing discussions about territorial control but declined to reveal specific details about Ukraine’s NATO aspirations.
Despite ongoing negotiations, Putin’s ceasefire stance remains uncertain as both sides brace for further conflict. Experts suggest Russia’s strategy may involve prolonging talks while maintaining military pressure on Ukraine.
