Putin is ready for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, says agrees with US proposal, but on conditions…

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he agrees in principle with the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, but the conditions need to be worked out. He stressed that this should pave the way for lasting peace. “So the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said at a news conference in Moscow.

Putin said – will discuss the conditions

He also said, “But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think we need to discuss this with our American allies and partners.” He said that Ukrainian troops are surrounded in their last stand in Russia’s Kursk region, and before the ceasefire it is necessary to determine whether they will lay down their arms and surrender.

What is Putin afraid of

He also stressed the need to develop a mechanism to control possible violations of the ceasefire. He said another issue is whether Ukraine can use the 30-day ceasefire for mobilization and to replenish its own weapons depots. Putin said, “We agree with the proposals to stop the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should bring lasting peace and address the root causes of the crisis.”

Announcement made to clear Kursk of Ukrainian troops

Putin said that it appears that the US persuaded Ukraine to accept the ceasefire, but Ukraine is interested in it because of the situation on the battlefield. He said that in the coming days, Ukrainian troops intruding into Russia’s Kursk region will be completely stopped. Putin said, “Under these circumstances, I believe it would be good for the Ukrainian side to ensure a ceasefire for at least 30 days.”