Explainer: Are These Putin’s Conditions for a Ukraine Ceasefire Deal?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has indicated that he is open to a ceasefire in Ukraine, but with significant conditions that raise doubts about its feasibility. 

While supporting the idea of a truce, Putin said that “questions remain” regarding its implementation, suggesting that a ceasefire must lead to a long-term resolution of the conflict rather than a temporary pause.

His response follows a 30-day ceasefire proposal, which Ukraine agreed to earlier this week after talks with the United States. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky dismissed Putin’s stance as “manipulative” and called for increased sanctions on Russia, according to a BBC report.

Key Points Raised by Putin

Putin’s remarks came during a press conference in Moscow on Thursday, where he outlined several concerns and conditions for a ceasefire agreement. Among them:

• Ensuring the truce is not a tactical advantage for Ukraine
• Addressing “root causes” of the conflict, including NATO expansion
• Deciding who monitors and enforces the ceasefire across 2,000 km of frontline
• Preventing Ukraine from using the truce to mobilize, rearm, or train troops

“How will those 30 days be used? For Ukraine to mobilize? Rearm? Train people? Or none of that? Then a question – how will that be controlled?” Putin asked.

He also raised doubts about how violations would be determined, who would be responsible for maintaining order, and at what cost.

A Strategic Divide Between Moscow and Kyiv

Putin’s comments revealed a major gap between Russia and Ukraine’s approaches to negotiations.

• Ukraine wants a two-step process: A quick ceasefire first, followed by long-term peace talks.
• Russia wants an all-encompassing agreement: A single deal that addresses all unresolved issues before halting fighting.

This disagreement allows both sides to continue playing their diplomatic strategies. Ukraine is working to pressure Russia, portraying it as an obstacle to peace, while Moscow sees this as an opportunity to push its broader geopolitical concerns, including NATO’s role in Ukraine.

Putin’s Stance on Ukraine’s Kursk Region

One major point of contention is Russia’s western Kursk region, which Ukraine briefly entered during a military operation last August. Putin claims Russia fully controls the area, leaving Ukrainian forces isolated.

“They are trying to leave, but we are in control. Their equipment has been abandoned,” Putin said. “There are two options for Ukrainians in Kursk – surrender or die.”

Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, countered that Ukrainian troops would maintain defensive positions in Kursk “as long as necessary”, despite increased Russian pressure.

US Involvement and Trump’s Role 

Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, was reportedly in Moscow on Thursday for talks, though it remains unclear whether a meeting with Putin actually took place. On Friday, Russian state media reported that Witkoff’s plane had left Moscow, but neither Washington nor Moscow provided any official comments.

Trump, speaking at the White House, made it clear that he wants a quick resolution.

“We’d like to see a ceasefire from Russia,” he said, adding that he would “love” to meet Putin and hoped Russia would “do the right thing.”

Earlier, Trump mentioned that he had already discussed territorial compromises with Ukraine.

“We’ve been discussing with Ukraine land and pieces of land that would be kept and lost, and all of the other elements of a final agreement,” he said. “A lot of the details of a final agreement have actually been discussed.”

When asked about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, Trump’s response was cryptic:

“Everybody knows what the answer to that is.”

Zelensky: “Putin Is Preparing a Rejection”

Ukrainian President Zelensky remains skeptical of Putin’s intentions, arguing that Russia is stalling while setting unrealistic demands.

“Putin doesn’t say no directly, but in practice, he’s preparing a rejection,” Zelensky said in his nightly address.

He accused the Russian leader of deliberately complicating negotiations, adding:

“Putin, of course, is afraid to tell President Trump directly that he wants to continue this war, wants to kill Ukrainians.”

What’s Next?

With both sides entrenched in their positions, the prospect of a 30-day ceasefire remains uncertain.

• Ukraine seeks an immediate ceasefire, followed by peace negotiations.
• Russia wants a comprehensive deal first, addressing broader security concerns.
• The U.S. is pushing for a quick resolution, but Putin appears unwilling to concede easily.

For now, fighting continues, with new drone attacks reported overnight in both Ukraine’s Kharkiv region and Russia’s southern Tuapse oil facility. Meanwhile, sanctions on Russian oil and gas have intensified, as the U.S. tightens financial restrictions to pressure Moscow.