Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced that Russia supports a 30-day ceasefire with Ukraine, though he raised concerns about security issues and Kyiv’s potential response. Speaking at a press conference, Putin outlined his conditions for a temporary halt to hostilities while emphasizing the risks involved.
One of the key issues, according to Putin, is the ongoing Ukrainian incursion in Russia’s Kursk region. He suggested that a ceasefire could be more beneficial for Ukraine than Russia, as Ukrainian forces in Kursk risk being physically blocked, leaving them with only two options: surrender or perish.
The Russian leader questioned how ceasefire compliance would be monitored, expressing skepticism about preventing further attacks. He also pointed to Russia’s military gains along multiple front lines, suggesting that Ukrainian forces were struggling to hold their positions.
Putin stated that any future negotiations on ending the conflict would be determined by battlefield developments. He also warned that Ukraine could exploit the ceasefire period to continue forced mobilization and replenish weapon supplies, potentially prolonging the war rather than ending it.
The Russian president stressed that halting hostilities must lead to a long-term resolution and address the root causes of the conflict. He did not dismiss the possibility of discussing a ceasefire with former U.S. President Donald Trump but implied that Ukraine should be pressuring the United States to facilitate peace talks based on battlefield realities.
