President Vladimir Putin supports a ceasefire proposal from the U.S. to end the war in Ukraine but indicates that specific details must be negotiated. Former President Trump expressed disappointment should Russia reject U.S. efforts, while Ukrainian President Zelenskyy welcomed the proposal. Meanwhile, Russia has reported military gains in the region, adding to the ongoing complexities of the situation.
In a recent statement, Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed his support for a United States proposal for a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. However, he emphasized that the specifics of such an agreement must be thoroughly worked out. Putin asserted, “We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis.”
Former President Donald Trump responded to Putin’s comments, indicating disappointment if Russia were to reject U.S. initiatives aimed at resolving the conflict. He stated, “We would like to see a ceasefire from Russia. A lot of the details of a final agreement have actually been discussed. Now we’re going to see if Russia is there and, if not, it will be a very disappointing moment for the world.”
Earlier, Putin’s senior foreign policy advisor dismissed the United States’ proposed 30-day ceasefire, describing it as likely to only offer Ukraine’s military a temporary break from hostilities. This comment followed U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff’s visit to Moscow for discussions regarding the ceasefire proposal. Russian presidential aide, Yuri Ushakov, noted that he has consistently communicated with U.S. national security advisor Mike Waltz, confirming that these discussions remain confidential.
In a related development, U.S. officials recently met with Ukrainian representatives in Saudi Arabia to introduce the ceasefire plan. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed openness to the U.S. initiative, indicating readiness for a proposed 30-day ceasefire. He remarked that this pause could facilitate the creation of a more comprehensive peace agreement, addressing the ongoing conflict instigated by Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Amid these diplomatic efforts, the Russian Defense Ministry reported a recent military achievement, announcing that its forces have regained control over the town of Sudzha, situated in the Kursk region. This town was initially seized by Ukrainian forces during a surprise offensive last August.
Some of the insights in this report are derived from The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, and Reuters.
In summary, President Vladimir Putin has articulated his support for a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, contingent upon detailed negotiations that prioritize lasting peace. Meanwhile, former President Trump and Ukrainian President Zelenskyy expressed their positions on the matter, reflecting a cautious optimism. The dynamics surrounding the ceasefire discussions are further complicated by recent military developments in the region, underscoring the ongoing complexities of the conflict.
Original Source: www.voanews.com
