Is Putin finally ready to end the bloodshed in Ukraine? The Russian President has tentatively agreed to a Trump-backed ceasefire proposal, but his conditions reveal concerns about Ukraine using the pause to regroup with Western weapons. We’re nearly there…nearly.
At a glance:
• Putin has agreed “in principle” to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine
• The Russian leader insists the temporary truce must lead to lasting peace
• Trump administration officials are in Moscow for discussions on implementation
• Russia seeks guarantees Ukraine won’t use the pause to rearm with Western weapons
• Trump suggested Ukraine may need to cede territory and NATO aspirations for peace
Putin’s Tentative Agreement
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signaled his conditional support for a 30-day ceasefire proposal in Ukraine backed by the Trump administration. The development represents a potential breakthrough in the conflict that has raged since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Biden didn’t get anywhere even close to something like this!
Putin acknowledged the merit of the proposal while emphasizing that further discussions with American officials are necessary. “So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin stated, adding that specific terms and conditions must be established to ensure a lasting peace.
It should be understood that during the 30-day ceasefire (and in case of its subsequent extension), Ukraine will be able to get the long-awaited respite and replenish its troops, equipment and weapons.
With the agreement to resume US military aid to Ukraine after today's… pic.twitter.com/rxyYLakX5m
— Uncensored News (@uncensorednews9) March 12, 2025
Cautious Implementation
The Kremlin is approaching the ceasefire with strategic caution, aware of potential pitfalls in any temporary halt to hostilities. Putin specifically emphasized that the pause in fighting must address the root causes of the conflict rather than simply providing Ukraine time to regroup.
“We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,” Putin said.
A great analysis by @Mylovanov of the key points emerging from discussions in Saudi Arabia on a US proposal for a 30 day ceasefire between #Ukraine and #Russia, pending negotiation of a lasting peace agreement.
It is very good news that the Trump Administration has lifted the… https://t.co/I8rhimaIF5
— Dr. Malcolm Davis 🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦 (@Dr_M_Davis) March 12, 2025
Pro-Kremlin pundit Sergei Markov has urged caution, too, warning that accepting the US proposal without conditions could lead to “a dangerous situation.” This sentiment echoes widespread concerns among Russian officials that Ukraine could exploit any pause to strengthen its military position with continued Western support.
Russian MP Viktor Sobolev directly addressed this concern, arguing that a ceasefire would primarily benefit Ukraine by allowing their forces time to regroup and rearm. The Kremlin appears determined to prevent such an outcome through careful negotiation of the ceasefire terms.
Trump’s Diplomatic Effort
American diplomats understand these concerns and are currently in Moscow for discussions on implementing the ceasefire, with reports suggesting a potential direct call between President Trump and Putin may follow. The diplomatic push demonstrates Trump’s commitment to ending the conflict through direct negotiation rather than prolonged proxy warfare.
Trump has already indicated that discussions to end the war include potential territory swaps and security policy changes. This pragmatic approach suggests Ukraine may ultimately need to concede territory and abandon NATO aspirations to achieve peace with Russia.
The battlefield situation appears to favor Russia’s position in negotiations, with Putin noting that Ukrainian troops in Russia’s Kursk region are expected to be blocked soon. This military reality likely contributed to Ukraine’s willingness to consider the ceasefire proposal under American guidance.
President Trump has characterized the initial responses to the ceasefire plan as “promising… but not complete,” while expressing hope that “Russia will do the right thing.”
Let’s hope so!
