Putin open to Ukraine truce ‘if conditions are met’: Report
The torn composition of Trump and Putin’s faces, paired with “PEACE?” and “WORLD,” captures global power struggles and uncertainty. (Collage prepared by Mehmet Akbas)
Russian President Vladimir Putin is open to discussing a temporary truce in Ukraine, provided it includes clear progress toward a final peace settlement, according to sources familiar with the matter speaking to Bloomberg.
The offer was reportedly conveyed during recent talks in Saudi Arabia between senior Russian and American officials.
Russia’s conditions for a cease-fire
According to people with knowledge of the discussions, Moscow requires a defined framework for a lasting peace agreement before agreeing to halt hostilities.
A key point for Russia is the establishment of a peacekeeping mission, with an agreement on which countries would be involved in overseeing security arrangements.
Russia has also made it clear that it will not accept NATO troops on Ukrainian soil. However, it has indicated that it would be open to neutral nations, such as China, contributing forces to any peacekeeping operation.
Recently, the Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Russia continues to view the 2022 Istanbul agreements as the foundation for negotiations to resolve the Ukraine conflict.
Speaking at a press briefing in Moscow, Peskov noted that the United States has also acknowledged the possibility of using the Russia-Ukraine Istanbul agreements as a basis for a future peace deal.
“We have also heard statements from Washington suggesting that this could serve as a foundation, a starting point for negotiations. And, of course, President Putin has reiterated that the Istanbul agreements could form the basis for discussions,” Peskov said.
Trump pushes for cease-fire deal
U.S. President Donald Trump has been actively advocating for a resolution to the conflict since taking office in January. Speaking from the Oval Office on Friday, he expressed confidence that Putin is willing to negotiate.
“I think he’s going to be more generous than he has to be,” Trump told reporters, adding, “I think we’re doing very well with Russia. But right now, they’re bombing the hell out of Ukraine.”
Trump acknowledged difficulties in dealing with Ukraine, stating, “I’m finding it more difficult, frankly, to deal with Ukraine than Russia.”
On social media earlier Friday, Trump warned that he might impose new sanctions and tariffs on Russia if Moscow does not agree to a peace deal.
Ukraine’s response and diplomatic developments
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded to the developments in his daily address, confirming ongoing discussions with U.S. officials.
“Today the most intensive work with President Trump’s team ever has been going on all day at various levels,” Zelenskyy said. “The topic is clear: peace as soon as possible, security as reliable as possible.”
The U.S. and Ukraine are set to hold direct talks in Saudi Arabia next week, their first since Trump’s heated exchange with Zelenskiyy in the White House. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said the goal of the meeting is to establish a “framework for a peace agreement and an initial cease-fire.”
Russia rejects NATO involvement in Ukraine
Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has not issued a statement regarding the latest reports. However, Russia has consistently rejected proposals for NATO countries to oversee any potential peace deal.
Moscow recently dismissed a Franco-British plan for a partial one-month truce that would have included halting strikes on Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Since Trump’s inauguration, the U.S. has adjusted its approach to the war in Ukraine. Trump has paused some military aid to Kyiv and suspended certain intelligence-sharing arrangements, alarming European allies.
The administration also abandoned Washington’s previous commitment to Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, acknowledging that the return of all territories seized by Russia since 2014 is unlikely.
Putin’s stance on conflict
Despite the potential for negotiations, Putin has remained firm on his broader demands. In December, he stated, “We don’t need a truce—we need peace: long-term, durable, with guarantees for the Russian Federation and its citizens.”
The possibility of a cease-fire remains uncertain as fierce clashes in frontlines continue.
