Putin made his first comments on the plan, which Ukraine agreed to on Tuesday at talks with the United States, saying he was “for” the proposed ceasefire, but “there are nuances,” and he had “serious questions” about how it would work.
Putin told reporters, “I think we need to talk to our American colleagues… Maybe have a phone call with President Trump and discuss this with him.”
The United States has called for Russia to agree to a ceasefire without any conditions, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying on Tuesday, “That’s what we want to know, if they’re prepared to do it unconditionally.”
Trump said Putin’s statement was “promising” but “not complete.”
“We’ve actually discussed many of the details of a final agreement.” Now we’re going to see if Russia is there, and, if not, it will be a very disappointing moment for the world,” Trump said.
After visiting a military headquarters in the Kursk region Wednesday, the Russian president hailed troops’ progress against Ukraine.
As Trump pushes for a speedy end to the more than three-year conflict, his envoy Steve Witkoff arrived in Moscow Thursday to discuss the plan.
Trump has expressed optimism that his team can secure a ceasefire, despite Moscow’s battlefield gains.
“If we can get Russia to stop, then we have a full ceasefire. And I think it’ll never go back to war,” Trump told reporters on Wednesday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky earlier Thursday had criticised the lack of an official response from Moscow, saying on social media that this shows “Russia seeks to prolong the war and postpone peace for as long as possible.”
Ahead of talks, Putin said, “We agree with proposals to cease hostilities, but on the basis that cessation would lead to long-term peace and address the root causes of the crisis.” (AFP)
