Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed gratitude to global leaders, including US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, for their efforts in addressing the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. In his first public remarks on Kyiv’s ceasefire proposal, Putin shared his perspective during a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, as reported by ANI.
Putin’s Statement on Ceasefire Proposal
Speaking on Ukraine’s proposal for a ceasefire, Putin stated that Russia agrees with the cessation of hostilities but emphasized that it should lead to a lasting peace and address the root causes of the crisis.
“As for Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, I will tell you how I view it, of course. But I would like to start by thanking the President of the United States, Mr. Trump, for paying so much attention to the Ukraine settlement. We all have enough of our own domestic affairs to attend to. But many leaders of states, among them the President of the People’s Republic of China, the Prime Minister of India, the Presidents of Brazil and the Republic of South Africa are addressing this issue and give it a lot of their time. We are grateful to all of them for that because this activity is aimed at achieving a noble mission – the mission of ending hostilities and loss of life,” Putin said.
Also Read: Putin open to 30-day Ukraine war ceasefire but insists on ‘long-term peace
He reiterated, “We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities but proceed from the assumption that this cessation should lead to long-term peace and eliminate the root causes of this crisis.”
US Influence on Ukraine’s Ceasefire Decision
Putin suggested that Ukraine’s willingness for a ceasefire was likely influenced by American pressure, referencing the recent US-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia.
“Now, on Ukraine’s readiness to cease the hostilities. You know, on the face of it, the US-Ukraine meeting in Saudi Arabia may look like the Ukrainian side made this decision under pressure from the United States. In fact, I am absolutely convinced that the Ukrainian side should have asked the Americans for this decision most emphatically, in view of the situation evolving on the ground, as has just been mentioned here,” Putin stated.
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On March 11, Ukraine agreed to accept the US proposal for an “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” which could be extended by mutual agreement, provided that Russia also accepts and implements it.
Trump Welcomes Ukraine’s Ceasefire Agreement
US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukraine’s agreement to the ceasefire following peace talks in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and expressed hope that Russia would also comply. Acknowledging the toll on soldiers from both sides, Trump emphasized the importance of reaching a ceasefire in this “horrible war.”
PM Modi’s Support for Peace Efforts
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently advocated for a diplomatic resolution to the conflict. In February, he welcomed Trump’s efforts to mediate and reiterated that India’s position is not neutral but rather pro-peace.
“I have always been in close contact with Russia and Ukraine. I have met the leaders of both countries. Many people are in a misconception that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate that India is not neutral; we are on a side, and that is peace,” Modi said in a joint press conference at the White House.
Modi reaffirmed India’s stance that a resolution cannot be achieved through war and acknowledged Trump’s mediation efforts. In July last year, Modi attended the 22nd India-Russia Bilateral Summit in Russia, followed by a visit to Ukraine in August. During his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Modi emphasized India’s commitment to a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.
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