According to the Russian dictator, “this cessation must be one that leads to long-term peace and addresses the root causes of this crisis.” Putin wants Ukraine to refrain from receiving military aid during these 30 days and to cease mobilization. The Kremlin noted that it has informed Washington of its concerns that the ceasefire could provide Ukrainian troops a break to rearm and regroup.
US President Donald Trump commented on these remarks, indicating that Putin made a “promising” statement, which, however, “was not complete.” Trump noted, “I hope that Russia will do the right thing,” expressing his desire for Russia to cease hostilities. If Putin refuses, it would be “a very disappointing moment for the whole world.”
Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy commented that the Russian leader is “actually preparing to refuse” the offer. He believes that Putin is simply afraid to tell Trump directly that he wants to continue the war, so Moscow is imposing its preconditions with the notion of appearing to negotiate toward peace while ensuring that the deal falls through or that the process is prolonged as much as possible.
“We believe this is yet another Russian manipulation,” Zelenskyy said.