Putin agrees with US-made ceasefire proposal, but says there are ‘nuances’

Vladimir Putin said on Thursday he was in favour of a 30-day ceasefire proposal, but he stressed that there are "nuances" to what he would agree to.

In a speech at a news conference in the Russian capital, the Russian president said that in the eyes of Moscow, the proposal should lead to an "enduring peace” and should tackle what the Kremlin calls "root causes".

These are the pretexts Putin used in the run-up to his full-scale invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, which include the "demilitarisation” of Ukraine and commitment to the neutral status.

The Russian leader also said an acceptable agreement would require Ukraine to stop further mobilisation of troops and their training.

Additionally, one of the requirements, in his view, is that Kyiv should not receive military support during the ceasefire.

“So during these 30 days will ... mobilisation continue in Ukraine? Will weapons be supplied there? Are these 30 days needed for the newly mobilised units to be trained? Or will none of that happen,” Putin listed what seemed to be the remaining unanswered questions.

One of the key aspects he mentioned was the situation in Russia’s Kursk region. Kyiv started its cross-border incursion in August 2024, and over the past few days, Russian forces have allegedly retaken a significant portion of the territory, including the town of Sudzha.

“If we cease hostilities for 30 days, what does that mean? That everyone who is there will leave without a fight? Are we supposed to let them out of there after they have committed a lot of crimes,” Putin continued with the questions, referring to Ukrainian forces.

The Russian president did not mention Moscow's occupation of Ukrainian territories or the atrocities committed during the full-scale invasion, now in its fourth year. 

Ukraine has agreed to a US-proposed month-long ceasefire on Tuesday evening only if Russia abides by it, following negotiations in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah.

Meanwhile, US special envoy Steve Witkoff was in Moscow on Thursday, and is expected to meet with Putin, according to reports.

After the Jeddah meeting with Kyiv officials, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Washington would reach out to the Kremlin with its deal, saying that "the ball was in (Russia's) court".