Putin Agrees in Principle to 30-Day Ceasefire Proposal in Ukraine

What Happened?

Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed in principle with a U.S. proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, paving the way to end the three-year war in Ukraine.

Putin emphasized Thursday that while the terms need to be worked out, this initial step should pave the way to lasting peace.

'So, the idea itself is correct, and we certainly support it. But there are issues that we need to discuss, and I think that we need to discuss it with our American colleagues and partners,' Putin told reporters during a news conference.

One issue the Kremlin said is having a mechanism to control possible breaches of the truce.

Another concern was whether the 30-day proposal could be utilized by Ukraine to regroup its military efforts.

'We agree with the proposals to halt the fighting, but we proceed from the assumption that the ceasefire should lead to lasting peace and remove the root causes of the crisis,' Putin added.

According to reports, Russia will not accept peacekeepers from any NATO members to monitor a prospective truce.

Why it Matters

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff traveled to Moscow Thursday for talks surrounding the plan that Ukraine had accepted.

Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov reportedly didn't appear too pleased with the proposal, noting it could give Ukraine a chance to boost its forces.

Ushakov stated that was explained Wednesday during a call with U.S. national security advisor Mike Waltz.

'This is nothing else than a temporary respite for the Ukrainian military, nothing more. We believe that our goal is still a long-term peaceful settlement, we are striving for this,' said Ushakov according to an NBC News translation.

The Trump administration aims for a critical breakthrough amid the ongoing conflict between both parties.

U.S. and Ukrainian officials gathered in Jeddah on Tuesday to agree in principle after 7-hour negotiations surrounding the proposed plan.

President Trump stated he was 'strongly considering' imposing sanctions on Russia until an agreement is reached in Ukraine.

How it Affects You

Putin and Trump could resolve the final hurdle needed to push this proposal forward toward a long-term peaceful settlement.

However, Russia could make things more challenging and invoke more pressure from the U.S.

Potential sanctions by the U.S. could limit Russia's oil and gas revenues.

World leaders patiently watch as this situation unfolds to help influence similar ongoing peace efforts like the crisis in Gaza.