Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced his support for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, although he has voiced concerns regarding its implementation and monitoring. On Thursday, Putin expressed his desire to discuss the details with U.S. President Donald Trump, whom he thanked for his "efforts" in facilitating the ceasefire, according to EFE.
During a press conference at the Kremlin alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin stated, "We are in favor, but there are obstacles." Among his concerns, he questioned the fate of Ukrainian soldiers in Russia's Kursk region and whether they should leave without confrontation. "Should we allow them to leave after committing numerous crimes against civilians? Or will Ukrainian leaders order them to lay down their arms and surrender? How will this be achieved? It is unclear," he remarked.
The Russian leader also mentioned his country's troops making progress in various sectors along the front line and raised questions about how Ukraine might use the ceasefire period. "Will it be used for forced mobilization and the deployment of new weapons?" he asked.
Furthermore, he expressed doubts about who would ensure the ceasefire isn't exploited by the other side to regroup. "How will control and verification be organized?" he questioned.
Putin emphasized the importance of discussing the ceasefire's implementation with the United States, following an agreement reached between Washington and Kyiv in the Saudi city of Jeddah. "Perhaps President Trump and I will discuss it over the phone. But we support the idea of ending the conflict through peaceful means," he stated.
He also conveyed his appreciation to Trump for his diplomatic efforts in seeking a resolution to the conflict. "I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the President of the United States, Mr. Trump, for his attention to resolving the Ukraine issue," he added.
This announcement comes after Ukraine accepted the U.S. proposal for a total and immediate ceasefire with Russia on Tuesday, initially set for 30 days with the possibility of extension if both parties agree. The measure, which covers operations on land, sea, and air, hinges on the Russian president's response.
Understanding the Ukraine Ceasefire Agreement
What are the key concerns Putin has regarding the ceasefire?
Putin is worried about the implementation and monitoring of the ceasefire, questioning the fate of Ukrainian soldiers in Russian territory and how Ukraine might use the ceasefire to regroup or mobilize.
Why is the involvement of the United States important in this ceasefire?
The United States' involvement is crucial as they facilitated the agreement between Washington and Kyiv, and Putin values discussing the details with President Trump to ensure effective implementation.
What are the terms of the ceasefire proposal?
The ceasefire is set for 30 days with the possibility of extension, covering operations on land, sea, and air, requiring both parties' agreement for continuation.