PUTIN SAYS RUSSIA IS IN FAVOUR OF CEASEFIRE BUT NUANCES EXIST – Putin said he might call U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the issues
Russia is “in favor” of the 30-day ceasefire plan proposed by the United States and Ukraine, but nuances exist, Russian President Vladimir Putin said.
At a press conference with visiting Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Putin addressed the current state of the Russia-Ukraine conflict and the recent discussions surrounding the proposed ceasefire.
Putin said that Russia agrees with the proposals to stop hostilities, but it proceeds from the fact that this cessation should be one that would lead to long-term peace and eliminate the original causes of this crisis.
Putin noted the difficulty in monitoring ceasefire violations along the 2,000 km contact line of the conflict and raised the issue that Ukraine might use the temporary ceasefire for mobilization and weapons supplies.
Putin said he might call U.S. President Donald Trump to discuss the issues, reiterating Russia’s support for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, provided that any agreement is feasible and fair.
On the same day, Trump expressed optimism regarding Putin’s statements but cautioned that they were “incomplete”. Trump said that he is willing to engage in dialogue with Putin, adding that if Russia rejects the agreement, it would be a “very disappointing moment for the world”.
