Putin Weighs Ceasefire, Trump Calls It ‘Promising’

In a significant development, Russian President Vladimir Putin has signalled his willingness to accept a 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, though he has underscored key conditions that must be met for long-term peace. Speaking alongside Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin emphasized that while the concept of a ceasefire is "valid," it must address the "root causes" of the conflict and ensure that Russia's strategic advantage is not undermined.

Putin’s Calculated Acceptance

During the joint press conference, Putin acknowledged that Moscow is open to negotiations but remains cautious about the ceasefire’s implementation. "We agree with the proposal to cease hostilities, but we believe this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of the conflict," he stated.

Russia’s primary concerns revolve around the potential rearmament of Ukraine during the ceasefire. The Kremlin has repeatedly accused Western nations, particularly the United States, of using such pauses in combat to funnel more military aid to Kyiv. Putin warned that any ceasefire agreement must be accompanied by concrete mechanisms to prevent Ukraine from using the truce to regroup and rearm.

“How will these 30 days be used? To continue forced mobilization in Ukraine? To send more weapons there? How will issues of control and verification be handled—how can we be guaranteed that none of this will happen?” he questioned.

Trump’s Optimism with Reservations

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump responded positively to Putin’s statement but noted that it lacked full commitment. "He put out a very promising statement, but it wasn't complete," Trump remarked during a meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte. "I'd love to meet with him or talk to him. But we have to get it [a ceasefire deal] over with fast."

Trump has been an advocate of de-escalation but has simultaneously resumed military intelligence-sharing with Ukraine and maintained the flow of arms through Poland. The U.S. position remains ambiguous—welcoming talks while continuing strategic military support to Kyiv.

Geopolitical Dynamics and the Battlefield

The ceasefire discussions come at a critical juncture, as the military balance in the conflict appears to be shifting in Russia’s favor. Over the past week, Russian forces have launched a significant counteroffensive, regaining nearly all the territory lost to Ukraine’s surprise ground attack in the Kursk region last August. Russian military commanders reported that encircled Ukrainian forces near Kursk have "completely lost control," with retreat routes cut off and continuous fire control over their positions.

Putin suggested that Ukraine, given its deteriorating position on the battlefield, would have much to gain from a temporary truce. However, the Kremlin remains sceptical about whether Kyiv would genuinely halt operations or use the pause to fortify its defences and bring in additional Western military support.

Challenges in Ceasefire Verification

One of the most pressing concerns remains the verification of any ceasefire agreement. With a front line stretching over 2,000 kilometres, determining violations and attributing responsibility for potential breaches would be immensely challenging.

"Who will determine where and who has violated a potential ceasefire agreement? Who will attribute blame for any violations? These are all questions that require thorough examination from both sides," Putin noted.

Saudi Arabia’s Role and Moscow-Riyadh Ties

Amid the diplomatic manoeuvring, Putin also spoke with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on March 13. The leaders discussed Russian-Saudi cooperation and exchanged greetings for Ramadan. Notably, Saudi Arabia has emerged as a key mediator in recent diplomatic efforts, having hosted the initial discussions on the proposed ceasefire between Ukrainian and U.S. representatives.

The Kremlin stated that it would wait for further details from White House officials before making a final decision on the ceasefire proposal. Putin hinted that a direct conversation with Trump could help clarify the terms and conditions required for Moscow’s approval.

Conclusion: A Fragile Path to Peace

While Putin’s remarks suggest a cautious openness to a ceasefire, Russia’s insistence on addressing the broader geopolitical factors fuelling the conflict remains a sticking point. The Kremlin sees this as more than a pause in fighting; it wants assurances that a ceasefire will not simply allow Ukraine to consolidate its defences and prolong the war.

For Trump, the challenge lies in balancing diplomatic engagement with Moscow while continuing to support Ukraine’s military efforts. His administration must now navigate the delicate task of securing a ceasefire that satisfies all parties without emboldening Russia or undermining Ukraine’s sovereignty.

As the situation evolves, the question remains: Will this ceasefire mark a step toward lasting peace, or will it serve as another tactical pause in a war that continues to reshape global geopolitics?