President Putin sets conditions for ceasefire

According to RIA Novosti, during a press conference with Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko on March 13, Russian President Vladimir Putin said he had some questions about how to organize a hypothetical ceasefire with Ukraine. The Russian leader said he generally supported the idea of ​​a ceasefire, but there were some important nuances to consider.

These include: Moscow agrees to the proposal to end hostilities in Ukraine with the idea of ​​a ceasefire, “but there are still many nuances” that need to be clarified; it is currently unclear who will order the cessation of hostilities and at what price; Ukraine can use the temporary ceasefire to mobilize forces and supply weapons, the issue of how to control this needs to be resolved.

“We support it, but there are things that need to be clarified. What are they? First of all: what will we do with the Kursk region? If we stop military operations for 30 days, what does that mean? That all those who are there will leave without a fight, should we let them leave after they have committed so many crimes against civilians? Or will the Ukrainian leadership order them to lay down their arms?”

President Putin went on to clarify that Russia would negotiate further steps to end the conflict based on the current situation, and he did not rule out the possibility of discussing the idea of ​​a ceasefire with US President Donald Trump.

In addition, according to Mr. Putin, if the US and Russia agree to cooperate on energy, it will be possible to build a "gas pipeline" to Europe.

"We agree with the proposals to cease hostilities. But we proceed from the fact that this ceasefire must lead to lasting peace and the elimination of the original causes of this crisis," Russian President Putin said.

Regarding the situation in the war zone, President Putin said it is changing rapidly. Therefore, Ukraine must urge the Americans to cease fire based on the actual situation.

“The group that invaded our territory is isolated. This is a complete isolation controlled by fire. If a physical blockade occurs in the coming days, then no one will be able to leave. There will be only two ways: surrender or death. And in these conditions, in my opinion, it would be very good for the Ukrainian side to achieve a ceasefire for at least 30 days, and we support that,” Putin said.