Russia: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed support for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine but raised several conditions, leaving tension over whether a truce is imminent. At a press conference in Moscow, Putin stated that while the idea was “right,” there were “questions” about its implementation.
His remarks came after Ukraine decided on the ceasefire proposal following discussions with the United States earlier this week. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s response as “manipulative” and called for further sanctions on Russia.
Russian officials previously reported that Putin was expected to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, in Moscow. However, there has been no confirmation from either Moscow or Washington on whether the meeting occurred. Reports from Russian state media, citing the flight-tracking website Flightradar, indicated that Witkoff’s plane had left Moscow.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has imposed new sanctions on Russia’s oil, gas, and banking sectors, further tightening economic pressure on Moscow.
Despite the ongoing discussions, both Ukraine and Russia reported fresh drone attacks. Ukrainian officials said seven people, including children, were injured in Kharkiv, while Russia claimed an oil facility in Tuapse was set ablaze.
At the Moscow press conference, Putin outlined his anxieties about the ceasefire proposal. He questioned how the 30-day truce would be used, suggesting it could serve as an opportunity for Ukraine to “mobilise, rearm, and train” rather than work toward peace. He also raised concerns about enforcement and accountability, asking that, “Who decides who has broken any possible ceasefire over 2,000km? Who polices it?”
Zelensky accused Putin of setting unrealistic preconditions to delay or derail a ceasefire agreement. He further claimed that Putin was reluctant to tell Trump outright that he intended to continue the war.
One key sticking point is Russia’s western Kursk region. Putin insisted that Ukrainian forces in the area had been “isolated,” with only two options—”surrender or die.” Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, responded by stating that Ukrainian troops would preserve defensive positions in Kursk “as long as necessary.”
Speaking at the White House, Trump expressed optimism about securing a ceasefire. Trump stated that, “We’d like to see a ceasefire from Russia,” adding that he “would love” to meet with Putin.
Trump also revealed that discussions had taken place regarding Ukraine’s territorial status. Trump added that, “We’ve been discussing with Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost,” hinting at potential compromises in a final agreement. On Ukraine’s NATO ambitions, he simply remarked that, “Everybody knows what the answer to that is.”
As diplomatic efforts continue, the U.S. has strengthened restrictions on Russia’s economy, particularly targeting oil and gas exports by restricting access to U.S. payment systems.
Meanwhile, casualties in the ongoing war continue to mount. Over 95,000 Russian military personnel have been killed since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022, though the actual death toll is believed to be much higher. Ukraine last reported its own losses in December 2024, acknowledging 43,000 casualties—figures that Western analysts believe to be understated.
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