During a press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko this Thursday, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump for his efforts in seeking a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine. However, Putin raised several critical questions regarding the ongoing war and the details of the U.S.-proposed ceasefire, which is proposed to last for 30 days on land, sea and in the air.
Importantly, Putin stated that Russia seeks a permanent end to the war, not a temporary ceasefire. He argued that a temporary truce would be in Ukraine's favor, stating that the Ukrainians could use this time to mobilize additional soldiers or to rearm its military.
Putin also announced that the Kursk region is now under the complete fire control of the Russian Army, forcing the Ukrainian forces to evacuate their soldiers. He further stated that the only options remaining for the Ukrainian soldiers in Kursk are either to surrender or face death. Additionally, he praised the Russian soldiers who retook the city of Sudzha in the Kursk region.
"Yesterday the fighters told me: tomorrow Sudzha will be in our hands. And that's what happend today"Vladimir Putin, RIA Novosti
Furthermore, President Putin expressed that the Russian Federation has no problem with ending the conflict peacefully.
" The Idea itself of ending this conflict peacefully is supported by US"Vladimir Putin, RIA Novosti
Trump responded positively to President Putin's statements, emphasizing his willingness to meet soon and engage in direct talks regarding a potential peace deal to end the ongoing war in Ukraine. Additionally, Trump dispatched an ambassador to Moscow to initiate preliminary discussions.
"Putin made a promising statement, but it was not complete. We would like to see a ceasfire from the Russian federation. we hope that the Russian federation will do the right thing" he addedPresident Donald Trump