Russian President Vladimir Putin has outlined specific conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine, expressing support for a U.S.-backed 30-day truce but emphasizing that any agreement must address the conflict’s underlying causes to prevent Ukrainian forces from regrouping.
Key Conditions Set by Putin:
- Territorial Concessions: Ukraine must acknowledge Russia’s annexation of certain regions, including Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhia oblasts.
- Military Restrictions: Ukraine should withdraw its troops from these areas and commit to a neutral, non-nuclear status, refraining from NATO membership.
- Cessation of Western Military Aid: A halt to Western military assistance to Ukraine during the ceasefire period.
- Protection of Russian Speakers: Guarantees for the rights and freedoms of Russian-speaking citizens in Ukraine.
International Responses:
- United States: President Donald Trump described Putin’s remarks as a promising but incomplete step toward peace, indicating a willingness to engage in further negotiations.
- Ukraine: President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized Putin’s conditions as manipulative and obstructive, accusing Russia of imposing terms to delay or prevent the ceasefire.
Observers anticipate prolonged negotiations due to Moscow’s firm stance on these critical issues, including the exclusion of Western peacekeepers and conditions potentially limiting Western military influence in Europe.
