Russian President Emphasizes the Need for Lasting Peace in Ukraine
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his support for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, a proposal reportedly put forward by the United States. However, he emphasized that the specific terms must be negotiated to ensure the truce leads to a lasting peace.
Speaking on March 12, 2025, Putin stated that he agreed with the proposal “in principle” but raised concerns about how the ceasefire would be enforced and monitored. He questioned whether the agreement would allow Ukraine to continue rearming and mobilizing troops during the pause, warning that such a situation could undermine the ceasefire’s effectiveness.
Ceasefire Must Prevent Further Escalation
Putin claimed that Ukraine is interested in the ceasefire due to its battlefield struggles, particularly in Russia’s Kursk region, where Ukrainian troops had launched an incursion. He alleged that these forces were on the verge of being fully surrounded, raising doubts about their ability to withdraw without conflict.
“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting,” Putin said. “But we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis.”
Russia Rejects NATO Peacekeepers, Thanks Trump for Ceasefire Initiative
Putin also expressed appreciation for U.S. President Donald Trump’s efforts to broker a truce. He further thanked leaders from China, India, and other non-NATO nations for their involvement in peace efforts, suggesting they could play a role in monitoring any potential ceasefire.
However, Russia has firmly opposed the deployment of NATO peacekeepers in Ukraine, arguing that such a move would escalate tensions rather than promote peace.
Future of the Ceasefire Remains Uncertain
While the 30-day ceasefire proposal marks a potential step toward de-escalation, its success depends on both parties agreeing on the conditions. The U.S. and other involved nations are expected to engage in further discussions with Russia and Ukraine to iron out the details.
The ongoing conflict has led to thousands of deaths, the displacement of millions, and heightened global tensions. With peace negotiations back on the table, world leaders will be closely watching for signs of a diplomatic breakthrough or potential roadblocks in the days ahead.