Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled conditional support for a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine, stating that while the idea was "correct," it must address the conflict’s root causes. U.S. President Donald Trump called Putin’s response "very promising," but Kyiv dismissed it as a delaying tac
Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Moscow supports a U.S.-proposed ceasefire in Ukraine in principle but insisted on addressing the war’s underlying causes before agreeing to a truce. His remarks came after talks with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko in Moscow.
"We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," Putin told reporters. "But this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis."
While his comments signaled an openness to negotiations, Putin listed several clarifications needed before Russia could commit, making an immediate ceasefire unlikely.
U.S. President Donald Trump responded to Putin’s statement, calling it "very promising" but emphasizing that Moscow’s commitment would soon be tested. He confirmed that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was in Moscow for direct talks.
"Now we're going to see whether or not Russia is there, and if they're not, it'll be a very disappointing moment for the world," Trump said.
Trump also revealed that discussions included territorial adjustments and control over a major power plant, likely referring to the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy dismissed Putin’s response, accusing him of stalling.
"That's why in Moscow they are imposing conditions, so that nothing happens at all, or so that it cannot happen for as long as possible," Zelenskyy said in his nightly video address.
Ukraine has already backed the U.S. ceasefire plan, while Russia continues to demand that Kyiv permanently cede territories occupied by Russian forces— a stance Ukraine rejects.
Despite the ceasefire discussions, fighting has intensified. Russia controls nearly a fifth of Ukraine and has advanced further since mid-2024. Moscow’s forces are also engaged in a counteroffensive in the western Russian region of Kursk, where Ukrainian troops had launched an incursion last year.
Putin, who visited the frontline in Kursk this week, raised concerns over how a ceasefire would be enforced in active battle zones.
"If we stop hostilities for 30 days, what does that mean? That everyone who is there will leave without a fight?" he asked.
While Putin signaled he might call Trump to discuss the issue, the number of conditions he raised suggests a breakthrough remains distant.
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China has appointed Li Xiaolong as vice minister of the Ministry of Housing and the Human Resources Ministry, tasked with overseeing key policies in housing and workforce management.
This Sunday, March 23, negotiations will take place between the US and Russia regarding the details of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Anti-government protests erupted outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, with demonstrators calling for his resignation after his announcement to oust the head of internal security, joined by relatives of hostages worried about their loved ones' fate.
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China has appointed Li Xiaolong as vice minister of the Ministry of Housing and the Human Resources Ministry, tasked with overseeing key policies in housing and workforce management.
This Sunday, March 23, negotiations will take place between the US and Russia regarding the details of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Anti-government protests erupted outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, with demonstrators calling for his resignation after his announcement to oust the head of internal security, joined by relatives of hostages worried about their loved ones' fate.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia launched attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine immediately after a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they had agreed to halt such attacks.
South Korea's industry minister is set to visit Washington, D.C. this week for talks with U.S. officials on key issues, including tariffs and the nation's "sensitive country" status.
China has appointed Li Xiaolong as vice minister of the Ministry of Housing and the Human Resources Ministry, tasked with overseeing key policies in housing and workforce management.
This Sunday, March 23, negotiations will take place between the US and Russia regarding the details of a ceasefire in Ukraine.
Anti-government protests erupted outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office, with demonstrators calling for his resignation after his announcement to oust the head of internal security, joined by relatives of hostages worried about their loved ones' fate.
Afghanistan seeks foreign investment in mining, engaging with Chinese and Kazakh diplomats to boost resource extraction. With $1 trillion in untapped minerals, Kabul aims to become a key industry player despite infrastructure and security challenges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Russia launched attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine immediately after a conversation between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, during which they had agreed to halt such attacks.
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