Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he 'absolutely supports' Donald Trump's idea for a short-term ceasefire in Ukraine, but has outlined his conditions.
Earlier today (13 March), Putin's aide Yuri Ushakov dismissed the idea of a 30-day ceasefire.
This comes after the US came to an agreement with Ukraine to pause proceedings on 11 March.
“We believe that our goal is a long-term peaceful settlement, we strive for this, a peaceful settlement that takes into account the legitimate interests of our country, our well-known concerns,” Ushakov told the Russia-1 TV channel.
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“It seems to me that no one needs any steps that imitate peaceful actions in this situation.”
However, just moments ago in a press conference, Putin has claimed that he is in 'favour of a 30-day ceasefire, but there are nuances'.
“First of all, what are we going to do about this incursion in Kursk?” he began.
“If we ceased hostilities for 30 days, would it mean that everybody there would leave? Should we release them after they committed serious crimes against civilians there?
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“How will other aspects be dealt with along with 2,000-kilometre contact line? As you know, the Russian troops are advancing practically in every sector of the contact line, and all the conditions are there for us to besiege fairly large [Ukrainian] units.
“So what would happen during those 30 days?
“The idea is good and we absolutely support it, but there are issues we need to discuss, and I think we need to negotiate with our American colleagues.”
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Putin also thanked Trump for 'paying so much attention to regulating the conflict in Ukraine'.
As reported by The Times, one of Russia's conditions includes no Nato membership for Kyiv, along with an agreement not to deploy foreign troops in Ukraine.
The outlet reports that Kyiv are not on board with these terms.
But it seems Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy isn't quite buying it after accusing Russia of 'seeking to prolong the war'.
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“Regrettably, for more than a day already, the world has yet to hear a meaningful response from Russia to the proposals made,” Zelenskyy said on X.
“This once again demonstrates that Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible.
“We hope that U.S. pressure will be sufficient to compel Russia to end the war.”
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This follows on from the Saudi Arabia meeting between the US and Ukraine just days ago.
In a joint statement, they said that the US would resume providing intelligence and 'security assistance' to Ukraine.
“Representatives of both nations praised the bravery of the Ukrainian people in defence of their nation and agreed that now is the time to begin a process toward lasting peace,” it read.
“The Ukrainian delegation reiterated the Ukrainian people’s strong gratitude to President Trump, the U.S. Congress, and the people of the United States for making possible meaningful progress toward peace.
“Ukraine expressed readiness to accept the US proposal to enact an immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire, which can be extended by mutual agreement of the parties, and which is subject to acceptance and concurrent implementation by the Russian Federation. The United States will communicate to Russia that Russian reciprocity is the key to achieving peace.”
Topics: Vladimir Putin, Donald Trump, Ukraine, Russia, Politics
Anish Vij