Russian President Vladimir Putin has made his first public remarks on Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, expressing gratitude to world leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, for their efforts in addressing the conflict.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Putin stated that while Russia agrees with proposals to cease hostilities, it believes that any cessation should lead to long-term peace and address the root causes of the crisis.
When asked about Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, Putin responded, “As for Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, I will tell you how I view it, of course. But I would like to start by thanking the President of the United States, Donald Trump, for paying so much attention to the Ukraine settlement. We all have enough of our own domestic affairs to attend to, but many world leaders, including the President of China, the Prime Minister of India, and the Presidents of Brazil and South Africa, have devoted significant time to this issue. We are grateful to all of them because their efforts aim to achieve a noble mission—the mission of ending hostilities and preventing further loss of life.”
He reiterated Russia’s willingness to consider a ceasefire but stressed that it must lead to a lasting resolution. “We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities but proceed from the assumption that this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis,” Putin said.
The Russian leader also referred to recent U.S.-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire was likely influenced by American pressure. “On the surface, the U.S.-Ukraine meeting in Saudi Arabia may give the impression that Ukraine made this decision under pressure from the United States. However, I am absolutely convinced that Ukraine itself should have strongly urged the Americans to support this move, given the evolving situation on the ground,” he added.
On March 11, Ukraine expressed its readiness to accept a U.S.-proposed “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” which could be extended by mutual agreement, provided Russia also accepts and implements it simultaneously.
Following the peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, President Trump welcomed Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire and expressed hope that Russia would also agree. He emphasized the urgency of ending the war, stating that “soldiers from both Russia and Ukraine are being killed in this horrible war” and that reaching a ceasefire is “very important.”
In February, Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed Trump’s efforts to resolve the conflict and reiterated India’s long-standing position that a solution must be reached through negotiations. He also clarified that India’s stance is not one of neutrality but of active support for peace. “I have always maintained close contact with Russia and Ukraine. I have met the leaders of both countries. Many people mistakenly believe that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate that India is not neutral; we are on the side of peace,” PM Modi said at a joint press conference at the White House.
He further underscored that a resolution cannot be achieved on the battlefield and commended President Trump’s diplomatic efforts. “I have previously stated, even in President Putin’s presence, that ‘this is not an era of war.’ My belief remains unchanged—solutions to conflicts cannot be found through warfare; ultimately, discussions must take place at the negotiating table,” PM Modi said. “India believes that a solution to the war can only emerge through a forum where both Russia and Ukraine are present. I support and welcome President Trump’s efforts and hope he succeeds as soon as possible.”
Last July, PM Modi traveled to Russia to participate in the 22nd India-Russia Bilateral Summit. The following month, he visited Ukraine, where he met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During their discussions, PM Modi reiterated India’s support for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing that India is prepared to play an active role in promoting peace and stability.
Russia and Ukraine have been engaged in war since February 2022.
(ANI)