Putin rejects immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, calls for further discussion on lasting peace amid ongoing military gains.
In Short
Putin rejects calls for an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, citing military advantages and concerns about Ukraine regrouping. Despite Ukraine agreeing to a U.S.-backed proposal, discussions continue with no quick resolution expected.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has rejected calls for an immediate cease-fire in Ukraine, citing battlefield conditions that favour Ukraine. He expressed support for a permanent peace but stressed the need for further discussions.
Putin’s comments come after Ukraine agreed to a U.S.-backed cease-fire proposal. He acknowledged the proposal’s merits but raised concerns about enforcing a cease-fire and the potential for Ukraine to regroup militarily.
Trump to speak
Discussions involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff aim to explore the cease-fire’s feasibility. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed intentions to speak with Putin and urged for a swift resolution to the conflict.
In Kursk, Russian forces have made significant territorial gains, capturing key Ukrainian-held towns and impacting Ukraine’s logistical capabilities. Analysts note that with this momentum, Russia has little incentive to accept a cease-fire.
Putin’s assertions reflect longstanding demands for a cease-fire to address what he calls the war’s “root causes,” including NATO’s expansion and Ukraine’s military alignment. Moscow has repeatedly ruled out temporary cease-fires in favour of a comprehensive agreement.
The ongoing situation poses challenges for Ukraine as it seeks to negotiate with diminished leverage and after a recent pause in U.S. military support. Ukrainian military leadership continues to focus on troop safety while assessing their defensive positions amidst Russian advances.
