Russia signals it will not yet sign on to Trump’s ceasefire deal with Ukraine

In a nuanced address on Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude towards President Donald Trump for his efforts to end the hostilities in Ukraine. Putin acknowledged the importance of the proposed 30-day ceasefire but emphasized the need for lasting peace in the region.

During a news conference in Moscow, Putin carefully articulated his support for the ceasefire proposal while also highlighting the need for further discussions with American colleagues and partners. He stressed that the ceasefire should not just be a temporary measure but should address the root causes of the crisis in Ukraine.

The Russian president’s comments were echoed by his top aide, Yuri Ushakov, who emphasized that Russia’s goal is long-term peaceful normalization in Ukraine. Ushakov indicated that Putin would address Moscow’s position on the ceasefire in a subsequent press conference.

Reports indicated that Russia has presented its own wishlist items to achieve an end to the fighting, although these demands have not been confirmed. Previous demands included preventing Ukraine from joining NATO and gaining control over the Ukrainian regions it has illegally seized.

Ukraine recently agreed to the 30-day ceasefire following discussions with U.S. officials, contingent on Russia’s acceptance of the terms. The ceasefire aims to facilitate negotiations on critical issues such as territory, occupation status, prisoner exchanges, and the return of abducted Ukrainian children.

The U.S. had paused military aid and intelligence sharing with Ukraine following tensions between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, after successful talks in Saudi Arabia, the U.S. lifted the aid pause, signaling its commitment to supporting Ukraine in achieving peace.

Zelenskyy welcomed the ceasefire proposal and expressed hope that U.S. pressure would compel Russia to end the war. He criticized Putin’s silence on the proposal, suggesting that Russia is prolonging the conflict.

Overall, the efforts to broker a ceasefire in Ukraine reflect a complex geopolitical landscape with multiple stakeholders involved. The path to lasting peace in the region remains uncertain, but diplomatic dialogue and international pressure may hold the key to resolving the crisis.