Putin Welcomes Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine, Talks with President Donald Trump May Happen Soon

Putin Welcomes Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine, Talks with President Donald Trump May Happen Soon

Moscow, March 14, 2025 – Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that Russia, in principle, supports the U.S. proposal for a ceasefire in Ukraine. However, he emphasized that several amendments and conditions are necessary, which could reduce the chances of an immediate end to the war.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, hundreds of thousands of people have been killed or injured, millions have been displaced, and cities have been turned into ruins. This conflict has created the most intense confrontation between Moscow and Western countries in recent decades. Putin's remarks may indicate goodwill towards the United States and open the door for continued discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump.

However, Putin stated that many crucial issues need to be clarified before any negotiations can take place and that any agreement must address the root causes of the conflict. Russia has described its 2022 invasion of Ukraine as a "special military operation" aimed at "denazifying" Ukraine and preventing NATO expansion.

"We agree with the ceasefire proposal. The idea is correct, and we certainly support it. But we will proceed on the basis that this ceasefire must ensure long-term peace and address the root causes of the crisis," Putin said.

He further noted that many important aspects need to be discussed, and he thanked President Trump, who seeks to establish himself as a messenger of peace. Both Moscow and Washington view this conflict as a serious proxy war that could have led to a third world war.

Trump, who has expressed willingness to speak with Putin over the phone, said that Putin's statement was "very encouraging" and expressed hope that Moscow would "make the right decision."

Trump mentioned that his special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is in Moscow discussing the U.S. proposal with Russian officials, which Kyiv has already accepted. He added that Thursday's discussions would reveal whether Moscow is genuinely ready for an agreement. "Now we will see if Russia is actually prepared, and if not, it would be a huge disappointment for the world."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Putin is planning to reject the ceasefire proposal but is afraid to reveal it in front of Trump.