MOSCOW, Russia – On March 13, President Vladimir Putin expressed conditional support for a US-initiated ceasefire proposal in Ukraine, underscoring the need for comprehensive clarifications and specific terms, hinting that a swift resolution to the hostilities is unlikely.
The 2022 invasion of Ukraine by Russia has resulted in significant casualties, displaced populations, and has exacerbated tensions between Moscow and Western nations to a degree unseen in decades.
Putin’s response, cautiously endorsing the ceasefire proposal from the US, appeared to be an olive branch to Washington, signaling Moscow’s willingness to engage in further dialogue with US President Donald Trump.
However, Putin emphasized the importance of resolving fundamental issues underlying the conflict, which Russia describes as a ‘special military operation’ aimed at ‘denazifying’ Ukraine and curbing NATO expansion.
“We concur with the concept of halting hostilities,” Putin stated at a Kremlin press conference. “The proposal is correct, and we are in favor of it.”
“However, it must ensure enduring peace and address the real sources of the strife,” he added.
Putin outlined numerous concerns requiring clarification and acknowledged Trump’s endeavors to broker peace. Both nations now frame the conflict as a perilous proxy war, potentially a precursor to a global conflict.
Trump, prepared for dialogue with Putin, described the Russian leader’s comments as “encouraging” and anticipated that Moscow would recognize the opportunity for peace.
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, was reported to be engaged in discussions with Russian officials in Moscow, a move Kyiv has approved.
The US leader indicated that these discussions would assess Russia’s readiness to compromise. “We will soon learn Russia’s intentions, and a refusal would be a significant global setback,” he remarked.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy suggested Putin is hesitant to openly refuse the proposal and is imposing conditions to delay the cessation of hostilities.
Territorial Concerns
EU’s foreign policy head, Kaja Kallas, speculated that Russia might agree to a ceasefire but with imposed conditions, speaking at the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in Canada. She noted US concerns about Russia’s possible intentions to complicate and prolong negotiations.
Such delays could potentially enable Russian forces to continue deployments in Ukraine’s western region of Kursk. Russia’s conditions include Kyiv’s permanent renunciation of disputed territories, a stance Ukraine rejects.
Ukraine and allies characterize Russia’s actions as aggressive territorial expansion, with Zelenskyy vowing to expel Russian occupiers. Russian forces maintain control over significant parts of Ukraine and have been progressively advancing since mid-2024.
Trump’s administration is also discussing which areas Ukraine might retain or concede in any potential settlement, including the future of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear facility, Europe’s largest, now under Russian control. Both parties have accused each other of actions that may trigger an accident at the plant.
Putin views the conflict as a fundamental clash with a weakened Western ideology.