Egypt Daily News – Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that he supports the proposed Ukraine ceasefire agreement backed by the United States but emphasized that he has “serious questions” that need to be addressed—potentially in direct talks with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Speaking to reporters, Putin expressed his support for a 30-day ceasefire but voiced concerns about its implementation. “I believe we need to discuss this with our American counterparts… Perhaps a direct phone conversation with President Trump would be appropriate,” he said. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the truce leads to a lasting peace and eliminates the underlying causes of the conflict. Additionally, he raised concerns that Ukraine might use the ceasefire period to regroup, mobilize, and rearm its forces.
While acknowledging the benefits of a temporary halt in fighting, Putin maintained that any cessation of hostilities must ultimately contribute to a durable resolution of the conflict. However, his statement seemed to contradict the earlier remarks of his aide, Yuri Ushakov, who warned in a live television interview that the proposed ceasefire might be “premature” and could allow Ukraine’s military to regain strength.
Meanwhile, Putin asserted that Russian forces were advancing “across practically the entire front line” and signaled that his next moves on the ceasefire would depend on the success of Russia’s campaign in the Kursk region. He issued a stark ultimatum to the Ukrainian forces who had entered Kursk, declaring: “If a full encirclement is established in the coming days, no one will be able to leave at all. There will only be two options: surrender or die.”
Putin suggested that Ukraine’s interest in the ceasefire stemmed from its deteriorating position on the battlefield. He claimed that Ukrainian troops who had launched an offensive in Kursk were on the verge of being completely surrounded, making a truce strategically beneficial for them. “Under these circumstances, I believe it would be in Ukraine’s interest to secure a ceasefire,” he said.
In his remarks, Putin also acknowledged Trump’s involvement in the peace negotiations, expressing gratitude for the U.S. president’s attention to the conflict. Additionally, he extended his appreciation to the leaders of certain nations, including China, for their potential role in brokering a ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of international efforts to reduce casualties and end the hostilities.
Moscow’s foreign policy advisor stated that Russia’s objective is a long-term resolution that considers its “legitimate interests and well-known concerns,” rather than a temporary ceasefire.
“In this situation, there is no need for measures that merely create the illusion of peace,” he remarked dismissively. When asked by TV host Olga Skabeeva—often referred to as Putin’s “Iron Doll”—whether this meant Moscow was outright rejecting Trump’s ceasefire proposal, he responded cryptically: “The President will likely provide a more detailed assessment soon.”
Ushakov, who previously served as Moscow’s ambassador to the U.S., also confirmed that he had conveyed Russia’s stance on the ceasefire to U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz.
Meanwhile, Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed to have recaptured Sudzha, a key Ukrainian operational hub in the Kursk region. The announcement came just hours after Putin met with his military commanders there. However, the claim remains unverified, and Ukrainian officials have yet to comment.
Putin’s visit and the renewed Russian offensive coincide with Trump’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to bring an end to the war, which has now lasted over three years since Russia’s full-scale invasion.
On Tuesday, the U.S. lifted its suspension of military aid to Kyiv after U.S. and Ukrainian officials reported progress in ceasefire negotiations during talks in Saudi Arabia. Trump stated on Wednesday that “the next move is Russia’s,” as his administration pushes Moscow to accept a ceasefire. He has also hinted at the possibility of new sanctions should Russia refuse to engage in peace talks.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CNBC on Thursday that Trump is prepared to exert “maximum pressure on both sides,” including imposing the strongest possible sanctions on Russia. However, a Kremlin advisory document suggests this strategy may not yield results.
According to intelligence obtained by the Washington Post, Vladimir Putin is determined to continue military operations in Ukraine while simultaneously weakening Trump’s negotiating position by exacerbating global tensions between the U.S., China, and the EU.
While Washington pursues a truce, documents from an influential Kremlin-linked think tank suggest that Russia has been working to undermine a potential peace deal since at least February.
Reportedly written by a Moscow-based think tank shortly before the U.S.-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, the document outlines strategies for Russia to enhance its global standing by straining U.S. relations with its allies. Some of its proposed measures appear to have already influenced Kremlin policy.
The document—intended for the FSB’s Fifth Service, the division responsible for operations in Ukraine—advocates for inflaming tensions between the U.S. and its key partners. Notably, Washington has twice sided with Russia in UN votes, marking a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy that has alarmed its allies.
The first instance occurred at the UN General Assembly when the U.S. opposed a European-backed resolution condemning Russia’s actions and reaffirming Ukraine’s territorial integrity. The second was at the UN Security Council, where the U.S. drafted and supported a resolution calling for an end to the invasion—without explicitly criticizing Russia.
The Kremlin-linked document suggests that, against this backdrop, Russia should push for the “complete dismantling” of Ukraine’s current government.
Ahead of talks with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff—whose plane was tracked en route to Moscow—Putin has refrained from directly addressing the ceasefire proposal. Instead, he has ordered his forces to reclaim more territory in Kursk.
