Putin Supports US' 30-Day Russia-Ukraine Ceasefire Plan, But Stresses Need For Lasting Peace

President Vladimir Putin announced on Thursday that Russia had agreed to the United States' proposals for a cessation of hostilities but stressed that any ceasefire should pave the way for lasting peace and address the underlying causes of the conflict.

"We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities," Putin stated during a press conference at the Kremlin following discussions with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko.

Photo Credit: AP/PTI

"But we proceed from the fact that this cessation should be such that it would lead to long-term peace and would eliminate the original causes of this crisis," he was quoted as saying by news agency Reuters.

Since mid-2024, Russian forces have been making territorial gains and now control nearly one-fifth of Ukraine, three years into a war that US President Donald Trump has pledged to end.

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump expressed his hope that the Kremlin would accept the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, which Ukraine has agreed to, in order to halt what he described as a "bloodbath."

Putin expressed his appreciation for Trump's efforts to bring an end to the war.

"The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it," Putin said. "However, there are matters that need to be discussed, and I believe we should engage in dialogue with our American counterparts as well."

He added that he might call Trump to discuss the matter further. "We support the idea of resolving this conflict through peaceful means," he stated.

On Wednesday, Putin visited a command post in Russia's western Kursk region, dressed in a green camouflage uniform. His visit coincided with ongoing Russian military advances in an area where Ukraine is expected to struggle to maintain its position.