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Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed tentative support for a ceasefire in Ukraine, but he has attached several rigorous conditions that could hinder progress toward a lasting peace. Addressing a proposed 30-day truce—previously accepted by Ukraine following negotiations with the United States—Putin affirmed the concept’s potential while emphasizing unresolved “questions” about its implementation. His remarks, delivered earlier this week, outlined a series of demands that signal Moscow’s reluctance to compromise without substantial concessions.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky swiftly dismissed Putin’s stance as “manipulative,” accusing the Russian leader of using the ceasefire proposal as a stalling tactic rather than a genuine step toward resolution.
In response, Zelensky called for intensified Western sanctions against Russia, a plea that has already gained momentum. The United States has imposed additional punitive measures targeting Russia’s oil, gas, and banking sectors, reinforcing its commitment to economic pressure as a counterweight to Moscow’s actions.
On the diplomatic front, speculation mounted over a possible meeting between Putin and Steve Witkoff, a special envoy appointed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Russian officials indicated that talks were slated for Thursday evening in Moscow, following Witkoff’s arrival earlier that day. However, confirmation of the meeting remains elusive.
By Friday, Russia’s state media, citing air traffic data from Flightradar, reported that an aircraft believed to be carrying Witkoff had departed the capital. Official statements from both Moscow and Washington have yet to clarify the situation.
This development underscores the complex and often contentious efforts to broker peace in the Ukraine conflict. Putin’s qualified endorsement of a ceasefire, paired with his stringent terms, suggests a calculated approach that Zelensky interprets as more strategic than sincere.
With new U.S. sanctions in play and diplomatic channels buzzing yet opaque, the prospect of a breakthrough remains uncertain. For now, the international community watches closely as this high-stakes negotiation unfolds, with both sides entrenched and the possibility of de-escalation hanging in the balance.
Late on Thursday and overnight, both Russia and Ukraine reported new enemy drone attacks.
Ukraine said seven people – including children – were injured in the north-eastern city of Kharkiv.
Russia reported a large fire at an oil facility in the southern city of Tuapse.
Read also: Russia, Putin Are Afraid Of President Trump – Zelenskyy Reveals
Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on Thursday, Putin said of the ceasefire proposal: “The idea is right – and we support it – but there are questions that we need to discuss.”
A ceasefire should lead to “an enduring peace and remove the root causes of this crisis”, Putin said.
“We need to negotiate with our American colleagues and partners,” he said. “Maybe I’ll have a call with Donald Trump.”
Putin added: “It will be good for the Ukrainian side to achieve a 30-day ceasefire.
“We are in favour of it, but there are nuances.”
A key sticking point in the ceasefire talks, according to Russian President Vladimir Putin, is the fate of Russia’s western Kursk region. Speaking at a press conference, Putin highlighted the area where Ukrainian forces launched a military incursion last August, seizing control of some territory.
He asserted that Russia has since regained full command of Kursk, claiming Ukrainian troops there are now “isolated.” “They’re trying to withdraw, but we hold the upper hand,” Putin said. “Their equipment lies abandoned.” He issued a stark ultimatum to the Ukrainian forces remaining in the region: “Surrender or die.”
Just a day prior, Ukraine’s top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, offered a contrasting perspective. He affirmed that Ukrainian troops would maintain their defensive positions in Kursk “as long as it remains strategically necessary,” despite facing heightened pressure from Russian forces. Syrskyi’s comments suggest Kyiv has no immediate plans to relinquish its foothold, directly challenging Putin’s narrative of dominance.
During the same Thursday press conference, Putin elaborated on his reservations about the proposed 30-day ceasefire, raising pointed questions about its practical enforcement. “What will those 30 days be used for?” he asked. “Will Ukraine mobilize more troops? Rearm its forces? Train new recruits? Or none of the above? And then there’s the issue of oversight—how will compliance be monitored?” His queries underscore Moscow’s wariness of any truce that might allow Ukraine to regroup and strengthen its position.
