Moscow, March 13, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia supports the US proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine but stressed that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict to ensure lasting peace.
“We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities,” Putin told reporters at a Kremlin press conference. However, he emphasized that the ceasefire must create a foundation for long-term stability. “This cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis,” he said, as reported by Reuters.
Background and Current Situation
The war between Russia and Ukraine began in 2022 when Putin ordered troops into Ukraine, sparking the most intense confrontation between Moscow and the West since the Cold War. Russian forces have made significant territorial gains since mid-2024, now controlling nearly 20% of Ukraine’s territory.
US Proposal and Ukraine’s Response
US President Donald Trump proposed a 30-day ceasefire on Wednesday, which Ukraine has agreed to support. Putin welcomed Trump’s efforts to end the conflict. “The idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it,” Putin said. “But there are issues that we need to discuss with our American colleagues.”
Next Steps
Putin suggested he might contact Trump directly to discuss the proposal further. “We support the idea of ending this conflict by peaceful means,” he said.
