Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled conditional support for a proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that any temporary halt in fighting must serve as a foundation for lasting peace. His remarks come amid shifting dynamics on the battlefield, where Russian forces claimed to have retaken Sudzha in the Kursk region. Ukrainian troops now hold less than 200 square kilometers of territory, a sharp decline from the 1,300 square kilometers they controlled in 2024.
Ceasefire with Strings Attached
Putin emphasized that the core issues behind the conflict must be addressed, particularly Ukraine’s relationship with NATO. “A ceasefire is only meaningful if it leads to a resolution of fundamental security concerns,” Putin stated during a press briefing with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko. While the Kremlin has not outright rejected the U.S.-brokered truce, it remains firm that negotiations must include discussions on Ukraine’s neutrality and NATO expansion.
U.S. Lawmakers Demand Tougher Measures
In Washington, Senate Republicans have urged President Donald Trump to increase economic pressure on Russia should it refuse the ceasefire deal. Senator Mike Rounds insisted, “Putin deserves more pressure than Ukraine. If he’s serious about peace, he needs to show it with actions, not words.”
Echoing this sentiment, Senator Lindsey Graham announced plans to introduce a new sanctions package targeting the Kremlin and Russia’s energy sector. “We cannot allow Putin to manipulate peace talks as a delay tactic while continuing his aggression,” Graham stated, warning against letting Moscow use negotiations as a smokescreen.
Ukraine’s Skepticism
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy remains doubtful of Putin’s intentions, accusing him of stalling to regroup and launch further offensives. “Russia has a history of using ceasefires to reposition its forces and prepare for future attacks. We will not fall for empty promises,” Zelenskyy declared in a national address.
While international pressure mounts for a de-escalation, analysts remain divided on whether Putin’s endorsement of a ceasefire is a genuine effort toward peace or a calculated move to strengthen Russia’s position. As negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see whether this truce will bring a breakthrough—or another chapter in the ongoing war.
