Russian president agrees to temporary ceasefire initiative, but raises concerns over Ukraine’s military movements

In a joint press conference with Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his agreement with the initiative for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, though he emphasized that several "nuances" need to be resolved before a full truce can take effect.

The Russian leader acknowledged the call for a temporary cessation of hostilities but outlined a series of conditions that must be addressed. He pointed to the issue of Ukrainian military forces stationed in the Kursk region, questioning how such a situation would be handled during the ceasefire, Caliber.Az reports citing Russian media.

 "Are we just going to let them out, or what?" Putin asked, further emphasizing that Russia’s military operations are still ongoing, with Russian forces maintaining an offensive posture across the 2,000-kilometer front line.

The Russian president’s remarks also touched on the potential for a future peace agreement, suggesting that discussions should extend beyond the immediate cessation of hostilities. He raised critical questions regarding the duration and effectiveness of any ceasefire, including concerns over Ukraine's ongoing military activities. "In these 30 days, Ukraine will continue to supply weapons, will forced mobilization continue? Will the army be rearmed?" Putin queried, underscoring his doubts about the viability of a peaceful resolution without solid guarantees.

Putin reiterated that any ceasefire must lead to a long-term peace settlement and address what he described as "the root causes of the crisis." The Russian leader argued that Ukraine should press the United States to halt its involvement in the conflict, framing the situation as one influenced heavily by external actors.

Further complicating the possibility of a ceasefire, Putin revealed that he had discussed the prospect of a truce with US President Donald Trump, signaling ongoing international conversations about the potential for peace, despite the absence of tangible agreements.

By Vafa Guliyeva