Putin Calls For End To Fighting In Ukraine But Stresses Need For Lasting Peace.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that hostilities in Ukraine must come to an end, but he emphasised that any ceasefire should lead to an “enduring peace” and address the root causes of the conflict.
Speaking on the ongoing crisis, Putin acknowledged that a ceasefire is a “good idea” and that Russia “absolutely supports it.” However, he stressed that key issues need to be discussed before any agreement is reached.
Diplomatic Tensions Over Ceasefire Proposal
The United States and Ukraine have both insisted that the responsibility for halting the fighting now lies with Moscow. However, according to BBC Monitoring’s Vitaliy Shevchenko, Putin has attempted to shift that responsibility back onto Ukraine and its Western allies.
Putin’s remarks come as Steve Witkoff, an envoy for former US President Donald Trump, is in Moscow for talks regarding a proposed 30-day ceasefire. Trump, speaking alongside NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, expressed his eagerness for direct discussions with Putin, stating that he would “love” to meet the Russian leader. He also emphasised the urgency of bringing the conflict to a swift resolution.
Final Stage of Russian Offensive in Kursk
Meanwhile, the Kremlin has announced that Russian forces are in the “final stage” of an operation aimed at expelling Ukrainian troops from occupied territories in Kursk. This statement suggests that while diplomatic efforts are ongoing, military operations continue to escalate.
With both sides positioning themselves ahead of potential ceasefire negotiations, the coming weeks could prove crucial in determining whether a diplomatic breakthrough is possible or if the conflict will continue unabated.
