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Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Russia is open to a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict with Ukraine. However, he stressed that any ceasefire would pave the way for long-term peace and address the root causes of the crisis. In his first public remarks on Kiev’s ceasefire proposal, Putin thanked a number of world leaders, including former US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for their efforts to resolve the war in Ukraine.
The comments were reported by the news agency ANI. At a joint news conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Putin reiterated his willingness to consider Russian proposals for a cessation of hostilities if they would lead to “long-term peace” and address the “root causes of the crisis.” Putin expressed gratitude to world leaders who had actively participated in resolving the conflict, noting Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire. “I would like to start by expressing my gratitude to the President of the United States.”
Putin praised Trump for “his remarkable attention to resolving the Ukraine problem,” according to ANI. “We are grateful to all of them because this activity is aimed at achieving a noble goal—the cessation of hostilities and the loss of life,” he added, acknowledging the contributions of Indian Prime Minister Modi and the leaders of Brazil, South Africa, and China.
Putin also said that the Ukrainian government’s apparent willingness to observe the ceasefire could be affected by American pressure. He referred to recent talks between US and Ukrainian officials in Saudi Arabia, where Ukraine reportedly agreed to an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” subject to mutual agreement and Russia’s acceptance.
“As for Ukraine’s readiness to end the ceasefire, the US-Ukraine meeting in Saudi Arabia may seem as if the Ukrainian side made this decision under US pressure,” Putin commented. “However, I am sure that the Ukrainian leadership is actively seeking from the Americans “This decision should have been made, given the evolving situation on the ground.”
The temporary ceasefire proposal announced on March 11 could be extended if both sides agree and implement it simultaneously. After peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, President Donald Trump expressed optimism that Russia would also agree to a ceasefire. Highlighting the horrific human cost of the war, Trump described reaching a ceasefire as “extremely important” to prevent further loss of life for soldiers on both sides.
PM Modi praises peace initiative In February, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Donald Trump’s efforts to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict and reiterated India’s position that the conflict should be resolved through dialogue, not military means.
In a joint press conference at the White House, Modi made it clear that India’s position is one of commitment to peace rather than neutrality. Modi said, “I have always maintained close contact with both Russia and Ukraine and have met with their respective leaders.” “Many people mistakenly believe that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate: India is not neutral. We stand firmly for peace.”
Modi praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts and stressed that the conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield. Last year, Modi visited Russia and Ukraine to promote dialogue for a peaceful resolution. In his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in August, Modi stressed India’s unwavering support for a diplomatic solution to the crisis. During Modi’s visit to Moscow for the 22nd India- Russia bilateral summit in July last year, relations between the two countries were further strengthened.
Meanwhile, his visit to Ukraine highlighted India’s balanced approach and role in promoting peace in international conflicts. Putin’s remarks underscored the need for a comprehensive solution to maintain stability in the region while continuing international efforts to mediate an end to the war and signaled Russia’s conditional openness to a ceasefire.
