Moscow [Russia]: Russian President Vladimir Putin has acknowledged Ukraine’s willingness to negotiate a ceasefire, expressing gratitude to world leaders — including US President Donald Trump, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva — for their efforts in resolving the ongoing conflict.
During a joint press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on Thursday, Putin affirmed Russia’s agreement with ceasefire proposals but stressed that peace talks must address the root causes of the crisis.
“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,” Putin stated.
Regarding Ukraine’s readiness for a ceasefire, Putin remarked, “I would like to start by thanking the President of the United States, Mr Trump, for paying so much attention to the Ukraine settlement… Many leaders, including the Prime Minister of India, the Presidents of Brazil and South Africa, are dedicating significant time to this issue. We are grateful for their efforts, which are aimed at achieving a noble mission — ending hostilities and loss of life.”
Putin also pointed to the recent US-Ukraine discussions in Saudi Arabia, suggesting that Ukraine’s willingness for a ceasefire may have been influenced by American pressure.
“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,” Putin said.
On March 11, Ukraine agreed to a US-proposed “immediate, interim 30-day ceasefire,” with the potential for extension if both sides concur.
US President Donald Trump welcomed Ukraine’s agreement, expressing hope that Russia would also support the ceasefire.
Stating that soldiers on both sides are suffering in this “horrible war,” Trump stressed the importance of halting the violence.
Earlier in February, Prime Minister Modi praised Trump’s diplomatic efforts, reiterating India’s stance that resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict requires peaceful dialogue.
“Many people are under the misconception that India is neutral, but I want to reiterate that India is not neutral; we are on the side of peace,” Modi said in a joint press conference at the White House.
He highlighted India’s continued diplomatic engagement with both Russia and Ukraine, referencing his previous remarks to President Putin:
“I have said that ‘this is not a time of war’ in front of the media when President Putin was with me. Even today, my conviction is that the solutions to war cannot be found on the battlefield, and ultimately, we have to be at the table,” Modi stated.
The Prime Minister also voiced his support for Trump’s peace efforts, expressing hope that a resolution is achieved soon.
In 2023, PM Modi visited both Russia and Ukraine, emphasizing India’s readiness to play an active role in achieving peace through dialogue and diplomacy.
The Russia-Ukraine conflict has been ongoing since February 2022.