Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed conditional support for the U.S.-proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine, describing the idea as "correct" but emphasizing the need to address several critical issues before any agreement can be finalized. Speaking at a press conference, Putin highlighted concerns over the mechanisms to enforce the truce and prevent violations, as well as the potential for Ukraine to use the pause in fighting to rearm its forces. He also stressed that any ceasefire must lead to a "lasting peace" by addressing what he called the "root causes" of the conflict, which he attributed to Ukraine's actions123.

Putin further noted that Ukrainian troops remain encircled in a key area of Russia's Kursk region, raising questions about their surrender and disarmament as part of the ceasefire terms. While acknowledging that the U.S. appears to have persuaded Kyiv to accept the proposal, he suggested that Ukraine's willingness stemmed from its precarious battlefield position. Despite these reservations, Putin expressed openness to continued discussions with U.S. officials, including a potential follow-up conversation with President Trump to iron out the details123.

Yuri Ushakov, Putin's top foreign policy aide, expressed strong reservations about the U.S.-proposed ceasefire. In a statement to state television, Ushakov characterized the proposal as "nothing other than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, nothing more"1. He further criticized the plan's "hasty character" and argued that it primarily reflected the Ukrainian perspective2. Ushakov's comments suggest a significant disconnect between Russian and American views on the ceasefire's potential outcomes:

• He claimed the ceasefire would "give us nothing" and only allow Ukrainian forces to regroup and consolidate3.

• Ushakov emphasized Russia's goal of achieving a "long-term peaceful settlement" that addresses Moscow's "legitimate interests" and "well-known concerns"4.

• The aide insisted that any agreement would need to "take into account our position" and not solely focus on Ukrainian demands2.

These statements from a high-ranking Kremlin official indicate substantial obstacles to reaching a mutually acceptable ceasefire agreement, despite Putin's more measured public stance.

Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, arrived in Moscow on Thursday morning to discuss the proposed 30-day ceasefire in Ukraine1. The Kremlin confirmed that U.S. negotiators were en route for planned talks, with Witkoff's plane landing at Moscow's Vnukovo Airport around 12:30 p.m. local time23. This diplomatic mission coincides with Vladimir Putin hosting the president of Belarus in Moscow, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing negotiations4. The White House emphasized the importance of these talks, as Trump has threatened Russia with "devastating" economic consequences if Putin rejects the ceasefire deal5.

Ukraine's acceptance of the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire marks a significant shift in its approach to ending the conflict with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in a statement on Telegram, expressed Ukraine's readiness to take this step, viewing it as a positive development1. The ceasefire agreement, reached after eight hours of negotiations in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, includes several key provisions:

• An immediate pause in fighting along the entire front line and in the Black Sea2

• Potential exchanges of prisoners of war and the return of forcibly transferred Ukrainian children2

• The resumption of US intelligence sharing and military aid to Ukraine, which had been suspended following a tense White House meeting3

Zelenskyy emphasized that the next move is now Russia's, stating that it is up to the United States to convince Moscow to accept the terms1. This development represents a potential breakthrough in diplomatic efforts to end Europe's largest conflict since World War II, though its success ultimately hinges on Russia's response4.